[Arginase Level in Suspended Red Blood Cells Storaged for Different Time].

PubMed

Fan, Li-Ping; Huang, Hao-Bo; Wei, Shi-Jin; Fu, Dan-Hui; Zeng, Feng; Huang, Qing-Hua; Hong, Jin-Quan

2015-10-01

To explore the effect of storage time on arginase level, and the possible source of arginase in suspended red blood cells (RBC). The arginase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in suspended RBC and control plasma were detected by ELISA. The free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC and control plasma were detected by colorimetric method. The relationship between arginase level, MPO level and free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC was analyzed by the related methods. The arginase and free hemoglobin levels in suspended RBC were higher than those in control plasma. Otherwise, MPO level was not significantly different between suspended RBC and control plasma. All of them did not increase along with prolonging of storage time. There was not a significant correlation between arginase level and free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC of different storage time (r = 0.03), but arginase level positively correlated with MPO level in the suspended RBC of different storage time (r = 0.76). The arginase level in suspended RBC storaged for different time increases significantly, but not along with prolonging of storage time. The main possible source of arginase in the suspended RBC is the residual white blood cell, especially neutrophils.

Plasma Fibrinogen in Patients With Bell Palsy.

PubMed

Zhao, Hua; Zhang, Xin; Tang, Yinda; Li, Shiting

2016-10-01

To determine the plasma fibrinogen level in patients with Bell palsy and explore the significances of it in Bell palsy. One hundred five consecutive patients with facial paralysis were divided into 3 groups: group I (Bell palsy), group II (temporal bone fractures), and group III (facial nerve schwannoma). In addition, 22 volunteers were defined as control group. Two milliliters fasting venous blood from elbow was collected, and was evaluated by CA-7000 Full-Automatic Coagulation Analyzer. The plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly higher in the group of patients with Bell palsy (HB IV-VI) than that in the control group (P <0.05). There was no significant difference between group II and control group (P >0.05); similarly, there was also no marked difference between group III and control group (P >0.05). In group I, the plasma fibrinogen levels became higher with the HB grading increase. The plasma fibrinogen level of HB-VI was highest. Plasma fibrinogen has an important clinical meaning in Bell palsy, which should be used as routine examination items. Defibrinogen in treatment for patients with high plasma fibrinogen content also should be suggested.

An Industry Viewpoint on Electron Energy Distribution Function Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventzek, Peter

2011-10-01

It is trite to note that plasmas play a key role in industrial technology. Lighting, laser, film coating and now medical technology require plasma science for their sustenance. One field stands out by virtue of its economic girth and impact. Semiconductor manufacturing and process science enabling its decades of innovation owe significant debt to progress in low temperature plasma science. Today, technology requires atomic level control from plasmas. Mere layers of atoms delineate good and bad device performance. While plasma sources meet nanoscale specifications over 100s cm scale dimensions, achieving atomic level control from plasmas is hindered by the absence of direct control of species velocity distribution functions. EEDF control translates to precise control of species flux and velocities at surfaces adjacent to the plasma. Electron energy distribution function (eedf) control is a challenge that, if successfully met, will have a huge impact on nanoscale device manufacturing. This lunchtime talk will attempt to provide context to the research advances presented at this Workshop. Touched on will be areas of new opportunity and the risks associated with missing these opportunities.

MiOXSYS: a novel method of measuring oxidation reduction potential in semen and seminal plasma.

PubMed

Agarwal, Ashok; Sharma, Rakesh; Roychoudhury, Shubhadeep; Du Plessis, Stefan; Sabanegh, Edmund

2016-09-01

To measure oxidative reduction potential (ORP) in semen and seminal plasma and to establish their reference levels. ORP levels were measured in semen and seminal plasma. Tertiary hospital. Twenty-six controls and 33 infertile men. None. Static ORP (sORP) and capacitance ORP (cORP) were measured in semen and seminal plasma at time 0 and 120 minutes. Correlation of ORP was assessed between [1] semen and seminal plasma and [2] time 0 and 120 minutes. The association with sperm parameters was studied in (a) controls and (b) infertile patients, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to establish the sORP cutoff. Semen sORP and cORP levels were associated with seminal plasma levels at time 0 and time 120 minutes. In controls and infertile patients, an inverse relationship of sORP levels was established with concentration and total sperm count in semen as well as seminal plasma at time 0 and 120 minutes. Classification of subjects based on sperm motility showed that subjects with abnormal motility present with poor concentration, total count, morphology, and elevated levels of semen and seminal plasma sORP at time 120 minutes. The sORP cutoff of 1.48 in semen and 2.09 in seminal plasma based on motility was able to distinguish subjects with normal semen quality from those with abnormal semen quality. The MiOXSYS System can reliably measure ORP levels in semen and seminal plasma. ORP levels are not affected by semen age, making this new technology easy to employ in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Effects of parecoxib sodium preemptive analgesia on perioperative cytokine responses and stress responses in patients undergoing ophthalmology surgery].

PubMed

Xu, Li-li; Shen, Jian-jun; Zhou, Hai-yan

2010-07-20

To investigate the effects of parecoxib sodium preemptive analgesia on perioperative cytokine responses and stress responses and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing ophthalmology surgery. One hundred ASAI-II patients undergoing ophthalmology surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups of fifty: the parecoxib group received parecoxib 40 mg by muscle injection, the control group received an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline two ml. Venous blood samples were obtained at 10 minutes before parecoxib or 0.9% normal saline was injected (T1), 30 minutes (T2) and 60 minutes (T3) after surgery was initiated, the moment when surgery was finished (T4), 6 hours (T5), 12 hours (T6) and 24 hours (T7) after surgery was finished for determination of the plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1RA, TNF and IL-1β. At the same time, the plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone at T1-T6 were measured. VAS scores with patients were recorded at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 h after surgery. The change of the plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1RA, TNF, IL-1β in the two groups:in the parecoxib group the plasma levels of TNF and IL-1β did not decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P > 0.05). The plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 at T4-T6 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The plasma levels of IL-1RA at T3-T6 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The change of the plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone in the two groups:in the parecoxib group the plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine at T2, T3 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the parecoxib group the plasma levels of cortisol at T2-T4 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the parecoxib group the plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone at T2-T5 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Postoperation VAS scores:VAS scores of the parecoxib group were less than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Preoperatively-administered parecoxib during ophthalmology surgery can produce better analgesia effect, reduce the production of cytokines, decrease central nervous system sensitization so as to improve the quality of postoperative pain relief. At the same time, it can reduce perioperative stress hormone release so as to have a positive effect on post operative recovery.

[Indices of the antioxidant system and dopamine in blood plasma in the dynamics of microwave resonance therapy in patients with alcoholism].

PubMed

Prokopieva, V D; Yarygina, E G; Krotenko, N M; Boiko, A S; Bokhan, N A; Ivanova, S A

To study effects of microwave resonance therapy (MWRT) on the level of dopamine and some indices of the antioxidant system of blood plasma in patients with alcohol dependence. Dopamine, reduced glutathione, activities of catalase and superoxidismutase (SOD) were measured in blood plasma of alcoholic patients (50 men) before and after therapy. Plasma of 25 physically and mentally healthy men matched for age was used as control. In alcoholic patients in withdrawal state, the significant increase in dopamine (p=0.03), activity of catalase and SOD (p<0.05) as well as a decrease in reduced glutathione (p<0.01) in blood plasma in comparison with controls were found. The level of dopamine decreased significantly as after conventional therapy, as well after the therapy with addition of MWRT. After MWRT, the level of glutathione in blood plasma increased significantly and activities of catalase and SOD decreased practically up to the control level while after conventional therapy (without MWRT), the indices of the antioxidant system did not change significantly. The inclusion of MWRT in complex treatment of patients with alcoholism contributes to the normalization of the activity of catalase and SOD and increases the level of reduced glutathione, but has no significant effect on blood plasma dopamine level.

Circulating Carbonic Anhydrase IX and Antiangiogenic Therapy in Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Brown-Glaberman, Ursa; Marron, Marilyn; Chalasani, Pavani; Livingston, Robert; Iannone, Maria; Specht, Jennifer; Stopeck, Alison T.

2016-01-01

Introduction. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a hypoxia regulated metalloenzyme integral to maintaining cellular pH. Increased CAIX expression is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. To explore CAIX as a biomarker for breast cancer therapies, we measured plasma CAIX levels in healthy control subjects and in breast cancer patients. Methods. In control subjects we evaluated plasma CAIX stability via commercially available ELISA. We then similarly quantified plasma CAIX levels in (1) locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients treated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel + sunitinib (T + S) followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC); (2) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients treated with systemic chemotherapy. Results. Plasma CAIX levels were stable at room temperature for at least 48 hours in control subjects. Mean baseline plasma CAIX levels were lower in controls compared to patients with LABC or MBC. In LABC, CAIX levels rose significantly in response to administration of antiangiogenic therapy (T + S) (p = 0.02) but not AC (p = 0.37). In patients with MBC treated without an antiangiogenic agent CAIX levels did not change with therapy. Conclusions. Our results suggest that CAIX may be an easily obtained, stable measure of tumor associated hypoxia as well as a useful pharmacodynamic biomarker for antiangiogenic therapy. PMID:26941473

Laying-sequence-specific variation in yolk oestrogen levels, and relationship to plasma oestrogen in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

PubMed Central

Williams, Tony D.; Ames, Caroline E.; Kiparissis, Yiannis; Wynne-Edwards, Katherine E.

2005-01-01

We investigated the relationship between plasma and yolk oestrogens in laying female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) by manipulating plasma oestradiol (E2) levels, via injection of oestradiol-17β, in a sequence-specific manner to maintain chronically high plasma levels for later-developing eggs (contrasting with the endogenous pattern of decreasing plasma E2 concentrations during laying). We report systematic variation in yolk oestrogen concentrations, in relation to laying sequence, similar to that widely reported for androgenic steroids. In sham-manipulated females, yolk E2 concentrations decreased with laying sequence. However, in E2-treated females plasma E2 levels were higher during the period of rapid yolk development of later-laid eggs, compared with control females. As a consequence, we reversed the laying-sequence-specific pattern of yolk E2: in E2-treated females, yolk E2 concentrations increased with laying-sequence. In general therefore, yolk E2 levels were a direct reflection of plasma E2 levels. However, in control females there was some inter-individual variability in the endogenous pattern of plasma E2 levels through the laying cycle which could generate variation in sequence-specific patterns of yolk hormone levels even if these primarily reflect circulating steroid levels. PMID:15695208

Are Plasma Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels Associated with Degree of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Euthyroid Obese Patients? A Turkish Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Bakiner, Okan; Bozkirli, Emre; Cavlak, Gulhan; Ozsahin, Kursad; Ertorer, Eda

2014-01-01

We aimed to observe the association between degree of obesity and metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels in obese, euthyroid Turkish patients. 947 obese and overweight patients who admitted to our outpatient clinic were assessed retrospectively. 150 healthy euthyroid cases were also recruited as the control group. Cases with metabolic syndrome were determined. Patients were divided into various subgroups as overweight, obese, morbid obese, men, and women. No statistical significance was determined when all the patients' and subgroups' plasma thyrotropin levels were compared to normal weight control group. No association was shown between the presence of metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels for both all patients and subgroups. Also there was not any association between each component of metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels. In conclusion, we did not found any significant association between plasma thyrotropin levels and obesity and metabolic syndrome in our euthyroid subjects. PMID:24527220

A control system formulation of the mechanism that controls the secretions of serum group hormone in humans during sleep

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, J. C.; Young, D. R.

1975-01-01

Plasma growth hormone concentrations during sleep were determined experimentally. An elevated level of plasma growth hormone was observed during the initial phase of sleep and remained elevated for approximately 3 hr before returning to the steady-state level. Moreover, subsequent to a prolonged interruption of sleep, of the order of 2-3 hr, an elevated level of plasma growth hormone was again observed during the initial phase of resumed sleep. A control system formulation of the mechanism that controls the secretions of serum growth hormone in humans was used to account for the growth hormone responses observed.

Increased Plasma Levels of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Human Brucellosis.

PubMed

Chen, Zhe; Zhang, Yu-Xue; Fu, Dong-Wei; Gao, Qing-Feng; Ge, Feng-Xia; Liu, Wei-Hua

2016-08-01

Brucellosis is associated with inflammation and the oxidative stress response. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective stress-responsive enzyme that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Nevertheless, the role of HO-1 in human brucellosis has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to examine the plasma levels of HO-1 in patients with brucellosis and to evaluate the ability of plasma HO-1 levels as an auxiliary diagnosis, a severity predictor, and a monitor for brucellosis treatments. A total of 75 patients with brucellosis were divided into the acute, subacute, chronic active, and chronic stable groups. An additional 20 volunteers were included as the healthy control group. The plasma HO-1 levels and other laboratory parameters were measured in all groups. Furthermore, the plasma levels of HO-1 in the acute group were compared before and after treatment. The plasma HO-1 levels were considerably increased in the acute (4.97 ± 3.55), subacute (4.98 ± 3.23), and chronic active groups (4.43 ± 3.00) with brucellosis compared to the healthy control group (1.03 ± 0.63) (p < 0.01). In the acute group, the plasma HO-1 levels in the post-treatment group (2.33 ± 2.39) were significantly reduced compared to the pre-treatment group (4.97 ± 3.55) (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the plasma HO-1 levels were higher in the chronic active group (4.43 ± 3.00) than the chronic stable group (2.74 ± 2.23) (p < 0.05). However, the plasma HO-1 levels in the chronic stable group (2.74 ± 2.23) remained higher than the levels in the healthy control group (1.03 ± 0.63) (p < 0.05). The HO-1 levels were positively correlated with the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with brucellosis (r = 0.707, p < 0.01). The plasma HO-1 levels can reflect patients' brucellosis status and may be used as a supplementary plasma marker for diagnosing brucellosis and monitoring its treatment.

Chronic inflammation modulates ghrelin levels in humans and rats.

PubMed

Otero, M; Nogueiras, R; Lago, F; Dieguez, C; Gomez-Reino, J J; Gualillo, O

2004-03-01

The aim of this work was to investigate whether changes in plasma ghrelin, the recently discovered 28-amino acid gastric hormone that regulates growth hormone (GH) secretion and energy homeostasis, occur during inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in rats. For completeness, ghrelin plasma levels were measured in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. AA was induced in male Lewis rats using Freund's complete adjuvant. Animals were monitored for weight and food intake, every 2 or 3 days, along all time-course experiments. Plasma ghrelin concentrations in 31 RA patients and 18 healthy controls, as well as in rats, were determined by a specific double-antibody radioimmunoassay. Gastric ghrelin mRNA expression was evaluated by northern blot analysis. Human GH and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were determined by quantitative chemiluminescence assay. Compared with controls, arthritic rats gained significantly (P < 0.01) less body weight than controls until the end of the study, when a partial recovery occurred. Ghrelin plasma levels were significantly lower at day 7 after arthritis induction than in controls (AA 7 = 91.2 +/- 5.6 pg/ml vs controls = 124.75 +/- 5.9 pg/ml), but they recovered to control levels by day 15. RA patients had ghrelin plasma levels significantly lower than healthy controls (RA = 24.54 +/- 2.57 pg/ml vs 39.01 +/- 4.47 pg/ml of healthy controls; P = 0.0041). In AA, there is a compensatory variation of ghrelin levels that relates to body weight adjustments. Recovery of ghrelin levels in the latter stage suggests an adaptive response and may represent a compensatory mechanism under catabolic conditions. In RA patients, chronic imbalance in ghrelin levels suggests that this gastric hormone may participate, together with other factors, in alterations of metabolic status during inflammatory stress.

COPD and levels of Hsp70 (HSPA1A) and Hsp27 (HSPB1) in plasma and lymphocytes among coal workers: a case-control study.

PubMed

Cui, Xiuqing; Xing, Jingcai; Liu, Yuewei; Zhou, Yun; Luo, Xin; Zhang, Zhihong; Han, Wenhui; Wu, Tangchun; Chen, Weihong

2015-05-01

This case-control study aimed to investigate whether the levels of Hsp70 (HSPA1A) and Hsp27 (HSPB1) in plasma and lymphocytes were associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among coal workers. A total of 76 COPD cases and 48 age-matched healthy controls from a group of coal workers were included. The case group consisted of 35 COPD patients whose condition was complicated with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and 41 COPD patients without CWP. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) in plasma and lymphocytes were detected by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to estimate the association between Hsp levels and COPD risk. Our results showed that plasma Hsp70 and lymphocyte Hsp27 levels were significantly higher and plasma Hsp27 levels were significantly lower in COPD cases than in controls (p < 0.01). No significant differences in lymphocyte Hsp70 levels were found between COPD cases and the matched subjects. Higher plasma Hsp70 levels (odds ratio (OR) = 13.8, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 5.7-33.5) and lower plasma Hsp27 levels (OR = 4.6, 95 % CI = 2.0-10.5) were significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD after adjusting for confounders. Higher lymphocyte Hsp27 levels were only associated with an increased risk of COPD with CWP (OR = 6.6, 95 % CI = 2.0-22.1) but not with an increased risk of COPD without CWP (OR = 3.0, 95 % CI = 0.9-8.9). Additionally, there were strong joint effects of different Hsps on COPD risk. These results showed that higher levels of plasma Hsp70 and lower levels of plasma Hsp27 might be associated with an increased risk of COPD among coal workers. They may have the potential to serve as monitoring markers for COPD in coal workers.

Dendritic cell immunotherapy followed by cART interruption during HIV-1 infection induces plasma protein markers of cellular immunity and neutrophil recruitment

PubMed Central

Cooper, Jason D.; Tomasik, Jakub; Bahn, Sabine; Aerts, Joeri L.; Osterhaus, Albert D. M. E.; Gruters, Rob A.; Andeweg, Arno C.

2018-01-01

Objectives To characterize the host response to dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and subsequent combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) interruption in HIV-1-infected individuals at the plasma protein level. Design An autologous dendritic cell (DC) therapeutic vaccine was administered to HIV-infected individuals, stable on cART. The effect of vaccination was evaluated at the plasma protein level during the period preceding cART interruption, during analytical therapy interruption and at viral reactivation. Healthy controls and post-exposure prophylactically treated healthy individuals were included as controls. Methods Plasma marker (‘analyte’) levels including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and hormones were measured in trial participants and control plasma samples using a multiplex immunoassay. Analyte levels were analysed using principle component analysis, cluster analysis and limma. Blood neutrophil counts were analysed using linear regression. Results Plasma analyte levels of HIV-infected individuals are markedly different from those of healthy controls and HIV-negative individuals receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. Viral reactivation following cART interruption also affects multiple analytes, but cART interruption itself only has only a minor effect. We find that Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG) levels and late-stage neutrophil numbers correlate with the time off cART after DC vaccination. Furthermore, analysis shows that cART alters several regulators of blood glucose levels, including C-peptide, chromogranin-A and leptin. HIV reactivation is associated with the upregulation of CXCR3 ligands. Conclusions Chronic HIV infection leads to a change in multiple plasma analyte levels, as does virus reactivation after cART interruption. Furthermore, we find evidence for the involvement of TBG and neutrophils in the response to DC-vaccination in the setting of HIV-infection. PMID:29389978

Dendritic cell immunotherapy followed by cART interruption during HIV-1 infection induces plasma protein markers of cellular immunity and neutrophil recruitment.

PubMed

van den Ham, Henk-Jan; Cooper, Jason D; Tomasik, Jakub; Bahn, Sabine; Aerts, Joeri L; Osterhaus, Albert D M E; Gruters, Rob A; Andeweg, Arno C

2018-01-01

To characterize the host response to dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and subsequent combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) interruption in HIV-1-infected individuals at the plasma protein level. An autologous dendritic cell (DC) therapeutic vaccine was administered to HIV-infected individuals, stable on cART. The effect of vaccination was evaluated at the plasma protein level during the period preceding cART interruption, during analytical therapy interruption and at viral reactivation. Healthy controls and post-exposure prophylactically treated healthy individuals were included as controls. Plasma marker ('analyte') levels including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and hormones were measured in trial participants and control plasma samples using a multiplex immunoassay. Analyte levels were analysed using principle component analysis, cluster analysis and limma. Blood neutrophil counts were analysed using linear regression. Plasma analyte levels of HIV-infected individuals are markedly different from those of healthy controls and HIV-negative individuals receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. Viral reactivation following cART interruption also affects multiple analytes, but cART interruption itself only has only a minor effect. We find that Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG) levels and late-stage neutrophil numbers correlate with the time off cART after DC vaccination. Furthermore, analysis shows that cART alters several regulators of blood glucose levels, including C-peptide, chromogranin-A and leptin. HIV reactivation is associated with the upregulation of CXCR3 ligands. Chronic HIV infection leads to a change in multiple plasma analyte levels, as does virus reactivation after cART interruption. Furthermore, we find evidence for the involvement of TBG and neutrophils in the response to DC-vaccination in the setting of HIV-infection.

The antioxidant status of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E in children with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Alkholy, Usama M; Abdalmonem, Nermin; Zaki, Ahmed; Elkoumi, Mohamed A; Hashim, Mustafa I Abu; Basset, Maha A A; Salah, Hossam E

2018-02-07

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant status of plasma vitamin E and plasma and intracellular coenzyme Q10 in children with type 1 diabetes. This case-control study was conducted on 72 children with type 1 diabetes and compared to 48 healthy children, who were age, sex, and ethnicity-matched. The diabetic children were divided according to their glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c %) into two groups: poor and good glycemic control groups. All children underwent full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory measurement of complete blood count, A1c %, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and vitamin E levels and coenzyme Q10 levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and platelets. Children with poor glycemic control showed significantly higher plasma vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, waist circumference/height ratio, cholesterol levels, and lower high-density lipoproteins and platelet coenzyme Q10 redox status in comparison to those with good glycemic control and the control group (p<0.05). Plasma coenzyme Q10 showed a positive correlation with the duration of type 1 diabetes, triglycerides, cholesterol, vitamin E, and A1c %, and negative correlation with the age of the diabetic group (p<0.05). The platelet redox status showed a negative correlation with the A1c % levels (r=-0.31; p=0.022) and the duration of type 1 diabetes (r=-0.35, p=0.012). Patients with type 1 diabetes, especially poorly controlled, had elevation of plasma vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 levels and decreased platelet redox status of coenzyme Q10, which may be an indicator of increased oxidative stress. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Zero gravity and cardiovascular homeostasis. The relationship between endogenous hyperprolactinemia and plasma aldosterone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haber, E.; Re, R. N.; Kourides, I. A.; Weihl, A. C.; Maloof, F.

1978-01-01

Prolactin, thyrotropin and aldosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay and plasma renin activity by the radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I in normal women before and after the intravenous injection of 200 micrograms of thyrotropin releasing hormone. Prolactin increased at 15 minutes following thyrotropin releasing hormone. Plasma renin activity was not different from control levels during the first hour following the administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone, nor did the plasma aldosterone concentration differ significantly from the control levels during this period. However, with upright posture, an increase in aldosterone and in plasma renin activity was noted, demonstrating a normal capacity to secrete aldosterone. Similarly, no change in aldosterone was seen in 9 patients with primary hypothyroidism given thyrotropin releasing hormone, despite the fact that the increase in prolactin was greater than normal. These data demonstrate that acutely or chronically elevated serum prolactin levels do not result in increased plasma aldosterone levels in humans.

Plasma and semen ascorbic levels in spermatogenesis.

PubMed

Ebesunun, M O; Solademi, B A; Shittu, O B; Anetor, J I; Onuegbu, J A; Olisekodiaka, J M; Agbedana, E O; Onyeaghala, A A

2004-01-01

Conflicting reports on the mechanism of action of ascorbic acid level in male reproductive system exist and very little is known about the ascorbic acid status in Nigerian males with weak fertility. Ascorbate that accumulates preferentially in the testis, the lipid and lipoprotein levels were determined in the plasma of Nigerian males. Twenty-seven (27) male with inadequate spermatogenesis (36+/-1.0) years, with mean value of 15.6+/-6.90 million/cm3 sperm count and fourteen (14) controls (34+/-0.6) years, with mean value of 108.0+/-25.42 million/cm3 sperm count were selected for this study. The anthropometric indices were also determined. There were highly significant decreases in sperm cell count, percentage motility and percentage vitality (p<0.001) in each case, while percentage morphologically abnormal sperm cells was significantly elevated (p<0.001) compared with the control values. There were significant decreases in the seminal and plasma ascorbic acid concentrations (p<0.001) in the males who had inadequate spermatogenesis compared with the control values. The plasma total cholesterol (TC) and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different from the corresponding control values, but the plasma low density lipoprotein (LDLC) (p<0.001) and triglyceride (TG)(p<0.01) concentrations were significantly increased in all the patients. While the plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC)(p<0.001) was significantly decreased compared with the controls. The plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels did not demonstrate any definite pattern with the sperm characteristics. The decreased semen ascorbate level may play a significant role in the reduced sperm characteristics in these patients.

Dissociation between plasma concentrations of thyroxine and insulin-like growth factor-I.

PubMed

Dauncey, M J; Morovat, A; Rudd, B T; Shakespear, R A

1990-09-01

The relation between plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been examined in young, growing pigs under controlled conditions of energy intake. Compared with euthyroid controls, plasma levels of IGF-I were significantly elevated (P less than 0.005) both in hypothyroid animals on the same food intake and in hyperthyroid animals on double the food intake. There was however no increase in IGF-I in a hyperthyroid group on the control level of intake. Contrary to previous reports in which energy intake was not controlled, it is concluded that there is no simple correlation between plasma concentrations of T4 and IGF-I.

Generation of Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody to Amyloid-β38 (Aβ38): Increased Plasma Aβ38 Levels in Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Mehta, Pankaj D; Patrick, Bruce A; Barshatzky, Marc; Mehta, Sangita P; Frackowiak, Janusz; Mazur-Kolecka, Bozena; Miller, David L

2015-01-01

Secreted soluble amyloid-β (Aβ)38 is the second most prominent Aβ form next to Aβ40, and is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Recent studies have shown the importance of quantitation of CSF Aβ38 levels in combination with those of Aβ40 and Aβ42 to support the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other neurodegenerative diseases, and to facilitate drug discovery studies. However, the availability of reliable and specific Aβ38 monoclonal antibody is limited. Our first aim was to generate and partially characterize rabbit monoclonal antibody (RabmAb) to Aβ38. The antibody was specific to Aβ38, since it did not react with Aβ37, Aβ39, Aβ40, or Aβ42 in ELISA or immunoblotting. The antibody was sensitive enough to measure Aβ38 levels in plasma. Our second aim was to quantitate Aβ38 levels in plasma from older Down syndrome (DS) persons and age-matched controls. Persons with DS (35 years and older) have neuropathological changes characteristic of AD. Studies have shown that plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels are higher in older persons with DS than in controls. However, none examined Aβ38 levels in DS. Our quantitation data showed that, like Aβ40 and Aβ42 plasma levels, Aβ38 plasma levels were higher in DS than in controls. Longitudinal studies will determine whether plasma Aβ38 levels in combination with levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 are useful to predict early signs of AD in DS.

[Substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in patients with progressive scleroderma. Determination of plasma level before and after autogenic training].

PubMed

Haustein, U F; Weber, B; Seikowski, K

1995-02-01

In 12 patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc) the influence of autogenic training on the plasma level of the neuropeptides substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was studied. Compared with healthy controls the SSc patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of substance P (mean +/- SD: 7.1 +/- 3.2 pmol/l vs 1.6 +/- 1.6 pmol/l). Apart from variations the VIP plasma concentration did not significantly differ from that in healthy controls (mean +/- SD 10.7 +/- 7.1 pmol/l versus 12.0 +/- 5.3 pmol/l). Autogenic training did not bring about any significant changes in the plasma levels of neuropeptides.

Placental release of distinct DNA-associated microparticles into maternal circulation: reflective of gestation time and preeclampsia

PubMed Central

Orozco, Aaron F.; Jorgez, Carolina J.; Ramos-Perez, William D.; Popek, Edwina J.; Yu, Xiaoying; Kozinetz, Claudia A.; Bischoff, Farideh Z.; Lewis, Dorothy E.

2009-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to determine whether DNA-associated micro-particles (MPs) in maternal plasma express fetal-derived human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) or placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and whether the levels differ between women with normotensive pregnancies and preeclampsia. Methods DNA-associated MPs expressing HLA-G or PLAP were examined in the plasma of normal pregnant women and preeclamptic patients using flow cytometric analysis. Results DNA-associated HLA-G+ MPs were significantly increased in maternal plasma compared to plasma from non-pregnant controls (p < 0.005), with highest levels found in first and second trimesters. DNA-associated PLAP+ MPs were also increased in maternal plasma compared to plasma from non-pregnant controls (p < 0.006), with highest levels in second and third trimesters. Term preeclamptic women had higher levels of DNA-associated MPs than control pregnant women. HLA-G+ MPs from the plasma of preeclamptic women had more DNA per MP than HLA-G+ MPs from the plasma of normal pregnant women (p < 0.03). Conclusions HLA-G and PLAP MPs increase in maternal circulation at different times during gestation. DNA amounts per HLA-G+ MP increase in preeclamptic women which might indicate dysfunctional extravillous cytotrophoblasts. PMID:19692120

The Prognostic Value of Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Plasma Level in Children With Acute Lung Injury.

PubMed

Al-Biltagi, Mohammed A; Abo-Elezz, Ahmed Ahmed Abd ElBasset; Abu-Ela, Khaled Talaat; Suliman, Ghada Abudelmomen; Sultan, Tamer Gomaa Hassan

2017-06-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) measurement in plasma for the prediction of outcome of acute lung injury (ALI) in children that may allow early recognition of critical cases. The study was performed as a prospective, controlled cohort study involving 40 children with ALI and 30 healthy children. The plasma level of sICAM-1 was measured at days 1 and 3 of development of ALI for the patient group and measured only once for the control group. C-Reactive protein was measured in both groups on day 1 only. There was significant increase in sICAM-1 in the patient group than in the control group ( P = .001*). The mortality rate reached 55% in children with ALI. The ceased group had significantly higher plasma sICAM-1 levels both at days 1 and 3 than the survived group ( P < .001*), and there was positive correlation between plasma sICAM-1 level and both duration of mechanical ventilation and the death rate, but more significant correlation was observed with plasma sICAM-1 levels at day 3 than day 1. Plasma sICAM-1 level served as a good predictor biomarker for both mechanical ventilation duration and the mortality risk in children with ALI.

BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma levels in Chinese Han population with obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Wang, Yuan; Zhang, Haiyin; Li, Ying; Wang, Zhen; Fan, Qing; Yu, Shunying; Lin, Zhiguang; Xiao, Zeping

2015-11-01

Anxiety disorders are a category of mental disorders characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear, which include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) used to be categorized as anxiety disorder in DSM-IV. However OCD was no longer included in anxiety disorders and came into its own category titled as Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRD) in DSM-5. It will be interesting to explore is there any different biological characteristics between OCD and anxiety disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was a potential candidate gene in both OCD and GAD. The results of genetic association studies between BDNF and OCD have been inconsistent. BDNF plasma/serum levels in OCD have been found lower than those in healthy controls. However the heritable reason of the lowered BDNF levels was not well elucidated. The amount of studies about BDNF and GAD were relatively small. The aims of this study were to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphism Val66Met of BDNF was associated with OCD and GAD, to examine BDNF plasma levels in OCD and GAD, and to explore whether Val66Met variation influences BDNF plasma levels. We genotyped Val66Met variation in 148 OCD patients, 108 GAD patients and 99 healthy controls. Within the same sample, BDNF plasma levels were determined in 113 OCD patients, 102 GAD patients and 63 healthy controls. Val66Met variation was not associated with OCD or GAD. BDNF plasma levels in OCD and GAD patients were significant lower than those in healthy controls. Val66Met variation had no influence on BDNF plasma levels. No difference was found between OCD and GAD. Results do not change no matter taking OCD and GAD as one group or separated two. First, the sample size for genotyping was relatively small, which leaded to a low statistical power of the genetic part in this study. Second, we genotyped just one SNP in BDNF gene. Third, parts of the participants did not be assayed for BDNF plasma levels. Our findings support the hypothesis that BDNF is involved in the pathophysiology of mental disorders, not only OCD but also GAD. OCD and GAD patients both show lower BDNF plasma levels compared to healthy controls. The BDNF plasma levels are not associated with Val66Met variation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hepcidin-Induced Iron Deficiency Is Related to Transient Anemia and Hypoferremia in Kawasaki Disease Patients

PubMed Central

Huang, Ying-Hsien; Kuo, Ho-Chang; Huang, Fu-Chen; Yu, Hong-Ren; Hsieh, Kai-Sheng; Yang, Ya-Ling; Sheen, Jiunn-Ming; Li, Sung-Chou; Kuo, Hsing-Chun

2016-01-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a type of systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children under the age of five years old. For sufferers of KD, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been found to successfully diminish the occurrence of coronary artery lesions. Anemia is commonly found in KD patients, and we have shown that in appropriately elevated hepcidin levels are related to decreased hemoglobin levels in these patients. In this study, we investigated the time period of anemia and iron metabolism during different stages of KD. A total of 100 patients with KD and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this study for red blood cell and hemoglobin analysis. Furthermore, plasma, urine hepcidin, and plasma IL-6 levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 KD patients and controls. Changes in hemoglobin, plasma iron levels, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were also measured in patients with KD. Hemoglobin, iron levels, and TIBC were lower (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p < 0.001, respectively) while plasma IL-6 and hepcidin levels (both p < 0.001) were higher in patients with KD than in the controls prior to IVIG administration. Moreover, plasma hepcidin levels were positively and significantly correlated with urine hepcidin levels (p < 0.001) prior to IVIG administration. After IVIG treatment, plasma hepcidin and hemoglobin levels significantly decreased (both p < 0.001). Of particular note was a subsequent gradual increase in hemoglobin levels during the three weeks after IVIG treatment; nevertheless, the hemoglobin levels stayed lower in KD patients than in the controls (p = 0.045). These findings provide a longitudinal study of hemoglobin changes and among the first evidence that hepcidin induces transient anemia and hypoferremia during KD’s acute inflammatory phase. PMID:27187366

Association of plasma sRAGE, but not esRAGE with lung function impairment in COPD.

PubMed

Gopal, Poornima; Reynaert, Niki L; Scheijen, Jean L J M; Schalkwijk, Casper G; Franssen, Frits M E; Wouters, Emiel F M; Rutten, Erica P A

2014-02-25

Plasma soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product (sRAGE) is considered as a biomarker in COPD. The contribution of endogenous sRAGE (esRAGE) to the pool of plasma sRAGE and the implication of both markers in COPD pathogenesis is however not clear yet. The aim of the current study was therefore to measure plasma levels of esRAGE comparative to total sRAGE in patients with COPD and a control group. Further, we established the relations of esRAGE and total sRAGE with disease specific characteristics such as lung function and DLCO, and with different circulating AGEs. Plasma levels of esRAGE and sRAGE were measured in an 88 patients with COPD and in 55 healthy controls. FEV1 (%predicted) and FEV1/VC (%) were measured in both groups; DLCO (%predicted) was measured in patients only. In this study population we previously reported that the AGE Nϵ-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) was decreased, Nϵ-(carboxyethyl) lysine (CEL) increased and pentosidine was not different in plasma of COPD patients compared to controls. Plasma esRAGE (COPD: 533.9 ± 412.4, CONTROLS: 848.7 ± 690.3 pg/ml; p = 0.000) was decreased in COPD compared to controls. No significant correlations were observed between plasma esRAGE levels and lung function parameters or plasma AGEs. A positive correlation was present between esRAGE and total sRAGE levels in the circulation. Confirming previous findings, total sRAGE (COPD: 512.6 ± 403.8, CONTROLS: 1834 ± 804.2 pg/ml; p < 0.001) was lower in patients compared to controls and was positively correlated FEV1 (r = 0.235, p = 0.032), FEV1/VC (r = 0.218, p = 0.047), and DLCO (r = 0.308, p = 0.006). sRAGE furthermore did show a significant positive association with CML (r = 0.321, p = 0.003). Although plasma esRAGE is decreased in COPD patients compared to controls, only total sRAGE showed a significant and independent association with FEV1, FEV1/VC and DLCO, indicating that total sRAGE but not esRAGE may serve as marker of COPD disease state and severity.

Effects of methionine deficiencies on plasma levels of thyroid hormones, insulin-like growth factors-I and -II, liver and body weights, and feed intake in growing chickens.

PubMed

Carew, L B; McMurtry, J P; Alster, F A

2003-12-01

We showed previously that Met deficiency at 0.25% of the diet causes elevations in plasma triiodothyronine (T3) in broilers. In the present study, plasma levels of thyroid hormones as well as insulin-like growth factors (IGF)-I and -II were measured in chicks fed 3 deficient levels of total Met. Control (0.5%) and Met-deficient diets (0.4, 0.3, and 0.2%) were fed to male broilers from 8 to 22 d of age. Additional groups of control chicks were pair-fed with the Met-deficient ones. Chicks receiving 0.4% Met increased feed intake by 10% with no significant change in body weight. The more severe Met deficiencies of 0.3 and 0.2% caused graded reductions in feed intake and weight gain. However, corresponding pair-fed control chicks were significantly heavier. These changes suggest more marked alterations in metabolic processes with 0.3 and 0.2% Met than with 0.4% Met. Liver weights were heavier in chicks fed 0.3 and 0.2% Met but not 0.4%. Plasma T3 was higher in all deficient chicks compared with the free-fed control, which was significant only with 0.3% Met. However, with 0.3 and 0.2% Met, plasma T3 was significantly elevated compared to pair-fed controls. Plasma thyroxine (T4) was lower in all deficient groups, which was significant only with 0.2% Met, whereas no significant differences occurred between deficient chicks and their pair-fed controls. Plasma IGF-I levels were not significantly different, but they were consistently lower in deficient chicks and deserve further study. Plasma IGF-II was significantly less in chicks fed 0.2% Met compared to pair-fed controls suggesting that Met deficiency interferes with IGF-II metabolism. We concluded that a deficit of dietary Met altered plasma T3 and IGF-II levels, but the effect was dependent on the degree of deficiency.

Short term resistance training enhanced plasma apoA-I and FABP4 levels in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Safarzade, Alireza; Talebi-Garakani, Elahe

2014-03-04

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with a high risk for early atherosclerotic complications. Altered lipids and lipoprotein metabolism in chronic diabetes mellitus is associated with pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks resistance training on plasma lipid profile, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) 4 and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I levels in type 1 diabetic rats. Thirty two male Wister rats (12-14 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups: non-diabetic control; non-diabetic trained; diabetic control; diabetic trained. The rats in training groups were subjected to a resistance training program (3 days/wk, for 4 wk) consisted of climbing a ladder carrying a load suspended from the tail. Diabetic inducing increased plasma apoA-I and decreased FABP4 levels compared with non-diabetic control group (respectively, P = 0.001 & P = 0.041). After 4 weeks' resistance training, plasma levels of apoA-I and FABP4 in the diabetic trained rats were significantly higher compared with the diabetic control group (respectively, P = 0.003 & P = 0.017). Plasma HDL-C level in diabetic trained group was higher than diabetic control group (P = 0.048). Liver triglycerides concentrations were significantly lower in both trained (non-diabetic and diabetic) groups compared with their control groups (respectively, P = 0.041 and P = 0.002). These data indicated that resistance training may be an efficient intervention strategy to increase plasma apoA-I, HDL-C and FABP4 concentrations, along with decreases liver triglycerides in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Further research is needed to elucidate physiological significance of circulating FABP4 levels.

Higher plasma level of STIM1, OPG are correlated with stent restenosis after PCI.

PubMed

Li, Haibin; Jiang, Zhian; Liu, Xiangdong; Yang, Zhihui

2015-01-01

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is one of the most effective treatments for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), but the high rate of In Stent Restenosis (ISR) has plagued clinicians after PCI. We aim to investigate the correlation of plasma Stromal Interaction Molecular 1 (STIM1) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) level with stent restenosis after PCI. A total of 100 consecutive patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) received PCI procedure were recruited. Coronary angiography was performed 8 months after their PCI. Then patients were divided into 2 groups: observation group was composed by patients who existing postoperative stenosis after intervention; Control group was composed by patients with no postoperative stenosis. The plasma levels of STIM, OPG in all patients were tested before and after intervention. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analysis the correlation between STIM, OPG level and postoperative stenosis. 35 cases were divided into observation group and other 65 were divided into control group. The plasma levels of STIM, OPG have no statistical difference before their PCI procedure, but we observed higher level of High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) existed in observation group. We observed higher level of plasma STIM, OPG in observation group when compared with control group after PCI procedure (P < 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that Hs-CRP, STIM1, OPG are independent risk factors for ISR. Elevated levels of plasma STIM1, OPG are independent risk factors for ISR in patients received PCI, which could provide useful information for the restenosis control after PCI.

Alterations in plasma lipid profile patterns in head and neck cancer and oral precancerous conditions.

PubMed

Patel, P S; Shah, M H; Jha, F P; Raval, G N; Rawal, R M; Patel, M M; Patel, J B; Patel, D D

2004-01-01

The changes in lipid profile have long been associated with cancer because lipids play a key role in maintenance of cell integrity. The present study evaluated alterations in plasma lipid profile in untreated head and neck cancer patients as well as patients with oral precancerous conditions (OPC) and its association with habit of tobacco consumption. This hospital-based case control study included 184 head and neck cancer patients, 153 patients with OPC and 52 controls. Plasma lipids including: (i) Total cholesterol, (ii) LDL cholesterol (LDLC), (iii) HDL cholesterol (HDLC) (iv) VLDL cholesterol (VLDLC) and (v) triglycerides were analysed by spectrophotometric kits. Student's t-test was performed to compare mean values of the parameters. A significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol and HDLC was observed in cancer patients (P=0.008 and P=0.000 respectively) as well as in patients with OPC (P=0.014 and P=0.000, respectively) as compared to the controls. The plasma VLDL and triglycerides levels were significantly lower in cancer patients as compared to the patients with OPC (P=0.04) and controls (P=0.059). The tobacco habituates showed lower plasma lipid levels than the non-habituates. Our data strengthen the evidence of an inverse relationship between plasma lipid levels and head and neck malignancies as well as OPC. The lower levels of plasma cholesterol and other lipid constituents in patients might be due to their increased utilization by neoplastic cells for new membrane biogenesis. The findings strongly warrant an in-depth study of alterations in plasma lipid profile in head neck cancer patients.

Targeted delivery of HGF to the skeletal muscle improves glucose homeostasis in diet-induced obese mice.

PubMed

Sanchez-Encinales, Viviana; Cozar-Castellano, Irene; Garcia-Ocaña, Adolfo; Perdomo, Germán

2015-12-01

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine that increases glucose transport ex vivo in skeletal muscle. The aim of this work was to decipher the impact of whether conditional overexpression of HGF in vivo could improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in mouse skeletal muscle. Following tetracyclin administration, muscle HGF levels were augmented threefold in transgenic mice (SK-HGF) compared to control mice without altering plasma HGF levels. In conditions of normal diet, SK-HGF mice showed no differences in body weight, plasma triglycerides, blood glucose, plasma insulin and glucose tolerance compared to control mice. Importantly, obese SK-HGF mice exhibited improved whole-body glucose tolerance independently of changes in body weight or plasma triglyceride levels compared to control mice. This effect on glucose homeostasis was associated with significantly higher (∼80%) levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B in muscles from SK-HGF mice compared to control mice. In conclusion, muscle expression of HGF counteracts obesity-mediated muscle insulin resistance and improves glucose tolerance in mice.

Plasma urotensin in human systolic heart failure.

PubMed

Ng, Leong L; Loke, Ian; O'Brien, Russell J; Squire, Iain B; Davies, Joan E

2002-12-03

Human urotensin II (UTN) has potent vasoactive and cardiostimulatory effects, acting on the G protein-linked receptor GPR14. Myocardial UTN expression is upregulated in heart failure, and UTN stimulates myocardial expression of the natriuretic peptides. We investigated plasma UTN levels in heart failure (HF; left ventricular systolic dysfunction) in comparison with plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) levels. N-BNP and UTN were measured in plasma from 126 patients with HF and 220 age- and sex-matched controls. Both peptides were elevated in plasma of HF patients and were correlated (r(s)=0.35, P<0.001). In contrast to N-BNP, there was no relationship of plasma UTN with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Although plasma N-BNP showed a positive relationship with age and female sex, there was no such age-dependent change in plasma UTN, and control women had lower levels compared with control men. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the diagnosis of HF had areas of 0.90 and 0.86 for N-BNP and UTN, respectively (P<0.001 for both). Receiver operating characteristic curve area for diagnosis of NYHA class I HF with UTN was better than that with N-BNP. Plasma UTN is elevated in HF, which suggests a pathophysiological role for this peptide. Plasma UTN may be a useful alternative to N-BNP in the diagnosis of HF, inasmuch as its levels are elevated irrespective of age, sex, or NYHA class.

Plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6 in patients with dysthymic disorder: comparison with age- and sex-matched major depressed patients and healthy controls.

PubMed

Yoshimura, Reiji; Umene-Nakano, Wakako; Hoshuyama, Tsutomu; Ikenouchi-Sugita, Atsuko; Hori, Hikaru; Katsuki, Asuka; Hayashi, Kenji; Atake, Kiyokazu; Nakamura, Jun

2010-11-01

In the present study, we investigated the serum BDNF levels and plasma IL-6 levels in patients with dysthymic disorder, major depressive disorder and control subjects. Eighteen patients who met the DSM-IV criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) for dysthymic disorder (male/female: 5/13; age: 36 ± 9 year) and 20 patients (male/female: 7/13; age: 38 ± 10 year) who met the criteria for major depressive disorder were enrolled. The serum BDNF levels in patients with dysthymic and major depressive disorder were significantly lower than those in the control subjects. However, no difference was found between the dysthymic group and major depression group. The plasma IL-6 levels in the dysthymic group and major depression group were significantly higher than those in the control group. No difference was observed in the plasma IL-6 levels between the dysthymic group and major depression group. These results suggest that the pathophysiology of dysthymic disorder and major depression might be similar in terms of the blood levels of BDNF and IL-6. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Decreased plasma neurotrophin-4/5 levels in bipolar disorder patients in mania.

PubMed

Barbosa, Izabela G; Morato, Isabela B; Huguet, Rodrigo B; Rocha, Fabio L; Machado-Vieira, Rodrigo; Teixeira, Antônio L

2014-01-01

To evaluate two poorly explored neurotrophins (NT), NT-3 and NT-4/5, in bipolar disorder (BD). Forty patients with type I BD (18 in remission and 22 in mania) and 25 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and educational attainment were enrolled in this study. All subjects were assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview; the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used to evaluate severity of symptoms in BD patients. Plasma levels of NT-3 and NT-4/5 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BD patients in mania presented decreased NT-4/5 plasma levels in comparison with controls (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in NT-3 plasma levels between BD patients and controls. These findings corroborate the view that neurotrophin dysfunction is associated with mood states in patients with BD.

Plasma Mesothelin as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer

PubMed Central

Li, Shuwei; Xie, Lisheng; He, Lei; Fan, Zhimin; Xu, Junhua; Xu, Kaili; Zhu, Lingjun; Ma, Gaoxiang; Du, Mulong; Chu, Haiyan; Zhang, Zhengdong; Ni, Min; Wang, Meilin

2017-01-01

Objective Mesothelin is a cell surface protein and overexpressed in many cancers. However, the potential value of mesothelin as plasma biomarker in colorectal cancer has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to identify whether plasma mesothelin is a suitable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer. Methods We performed a two-stage case-control study to evaluate plasma mesothelin levels in colorectal cancer using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Preoperative and postoperative plasma were collected to examine the level changes influenced by surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to identify the diagnostic value of plasma mesothelin. We also conducted univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis of patients with survival information. Results We found that the plasma mesothelin levels in colorectal cancer patients were significantly higher than that in the controls (P < 0.001) with an AUC value of 0.690 (95% CI = 0.625 to 0.752). Individuals with lower mesothelin level had a longer survival time (adjusted HR = 4.43, 95% CI = 1.93-10.15, P < 0.001). Furthermore, Patients had slightly decreased mesothelin levels in postoperative plasma than preoperative plasma, although the alteration was not statistically significant (P = 0.052). Conclusion Our findings highlight the correlative relationship between plasma mesothelin levels and the presence and progression of colorectal cancer. Plasma mesothelin may be a potential diagnostic and, or prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer. PMID:28638449

A generic testbed for the design of plasma spectrometer control software with application to the THOR-CSW solar wind instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Keyser, Johan; Lavraud, Benoit; Neefs, Eddy; Berkenbosch, Sophie; Beeckman, Bram; Maggiolo, Romain; Gamby, Emmanuel; Fedorov, Andrei; Baruah, Rituparna; Wong, King-Wah; Amoros, Carine; Mathon, Romain; Génot, Vincent; Marcucci, Federica; Brienza, Daniele

2017-04-01

Modern plasma spectrometers require intelligent software that is able to exploit their capabilities to the fullest. While the low-level control of the instrument and basic tasks such as performing the basic measurement, temperature control, and production of housekeeping data are to be done by software that is executed on an FPGA and/or processor inside the instrument, higher level tasks such as control of measurement sequences, on-board moment calculation, beam tracking decisions, and data compression, may be performed by the instrument or in the payload data processing unit. Such design decisions, as well as an assessment of the workload on the different processing components, require early prototyping. We have developed a generic simulation testbed for the design of plasma spectrometer control software that allows an early evaluation of the level of resources that is needed at each level. Early prototyping can pinpoint bottlenecks in the design allowing timely remediation. We have applied this tool to the THOR Cold Solar Wind (CSW) plasma spectrometer. Some examples illustrating the usefulness of the tool are given.

Increased plasma agmatine levels in patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Uzbay, Tayfun; Goktalay, Gokhan; Kayir, Hakan; Eker, Salih S; Sarandol, Asli; Oral, Sema; Buyukuysal, Levent; Ulusoy, Gokhan; Kirli, Selcuk

2013-08-01

Agmatine is an endogenous substance, synthesized from l-arginine, and it is proposed to be a new neurotransmitter. Preclinical studies indicated that agmatine may have an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study was organized to investigate plasma agmatine in patients with schizophrenia and in healthy controls. Eighteen patients with schizophrenia and 19 healthy individuals constituted the subjects. Agmatine levels in the plasma were measured using the HPLC method. The S100B protein level, which is a peripheral biomarker for brain damage, was also measured using the ELISA method. While plasma levels of agmatine in patients with schizophrenia were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared to those of healthy individuals (control), there were no significant changes in the levels of S100B protein (p = 0.660). An ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis revealed that measuring plasma agmatine levels as a clinical diagnostic test would significantly differentiate between patients with schizophrenia and those in the control group (predictive value: 0.969; p < 0.0001). The predictive value of S100B measurements was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the age of the patient and the severity of the illness, as indicated by the PANSS score, significantly contributed the plasma agmatine levels in patients with schizophrenia. These results support the hypothesis that an excess agmatine release is important in the development of schizophrenia. The findings also imply that the plasma agmatine level may be a potential biomarker of schizophrenia. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of Plasma Ghrelin Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Saudi Subjects

PubMed Central

Al Qarni, Ali Ahmed; Joatar, Faris Elbahi; Das, Nagalla; Awad, Mohamed; Eltayeb, Mona; Al-Zubair, Ahmed Gasim; Ali, Muhalab E.; Al Masaud, Abdulaziz; Shire, Abdirashid M.; Gumaa, Khalid

2017-01-01

Background Although the exact mechanism of insulin resistance (IR) has not yet been established, IR is the hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and IR in Saudi subjects with T2DM. Methods Patients with T2DM (n=107, cases) and non-diabetic apparently healthy subjects (n=101, controls) from Saudi Arabia were included in this study. The biochemical profiles and plasma insulin levels of all subjects were analyzed, and IR was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Active ghrelin levels in plasma were measured using the radioimmunoassay technique. Results Only 46.7% (50 of 107) of the T2DM subjects had IR, including 26% (28 of 107) with severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥5), while 5.9% (six of 101) of the controls had moderate IR (3 ≤HOMA-IR <5). HOMA-IR values were not associated with age, disease duration, or gender. Importantly, T2DM itself and the co-occurrence of IR with T2DM were significantly associated with low plasma ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin levels were inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR index, body weight, and fasting plasma insulin levels, mainly in the control subjects, which was indicative of the breakdown of metabolic homeostasis in T2DM. Conclusion The prevalence of IR was relatively low, and IR may be inversely associated with plasma ghrelin levels among Saudi patients with T2DM. PMID:28555463

Adult cystic fibrosis: postprandial response of gut regulatory peptides.

PubMed

Allen, J M; Penketh, A R; Adrian, T E; Lee, Y C; Sarson, D L; Hodson, M E; Batten, J C; Bloom, S R

1983-12-01

Responses of 11 gastrointestinal regulatory peptides to a standard test meal were assessed in 10 adult patients with cystic fibrosis. The basal plasma neurotensin was significantly elevated in patients with cystic fibrosis, being 31.5 +/- 6.1 pmol/L compared with a control value of 10.3 +/- 1.5 pmol/L (p less than 0.005). Plasma neurotensin remained elevated throughout the test period. Basal plasma enteroglucagon was similarly elevated, the patients with fibrocystic disease having levels of 51.3 +/- 4.6 pmol/L compared to controls with levels of 33.2 +/- 6.7 pmol/L (p less than 0.02). There was, however, no significant difference in postprandial levels of plasma enteroglucagon. Postprandial motilin was significantly elevated in the patients with cystic fibrosis; this elevation is in contrast with previous findings in children. Release of gastric inhibitory polypeptide was impaired, while release of cholecystokinin showed no significant difference in control values, although there was a tendency for delay. There was no significant postprandial rise of pancreatic polypeptide in the patients, whose levels were grossly lower than controls. Insulin showed a delayed response. No significant differences were observed between patients and controls in levels of gastrin, pancreatic glucagon, somatostatin, or vasoactive intestinal peptide. The elevation of plasma neurotensin and enteroglucagon in the basal state may reflect an adaptive response and may be part of the improved digestive function in adults compared with children with fibrocystic disease.

Increased plasma levels of FABP4 and PTEN is associated with more severe insulin resistance in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Li, Yuan-yuan; Xiao, Rui; Li, Cai-ping; Huangfu, Jian; Mao, Jiang-feng

2015-02-08

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Plasma FABP4 and PTEN were determined by ELISA in GDM patients (GDM group, n=30) and in euglycemic pregnant women (control group, n=30). The clinical features, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profiles were compared between the 2 groups. The influence of risk factors on insulin resistance, including BMI, lipid profiles, FABP4, and PTEN, were further investigated by multiple-factor stepwise regression analysis. Higher levels of BMI, ΔBMI, triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, FABP4, PTEN, and lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found in the GDM patients than in the controls (all P<0.005). The plasma FABP4 was 1.47±0.25 vs. 0.20±0.07 ng/ml in the GDM and control group, respectively (P<0.0001). Plasma PTEN was 6.46±1.57 vs. 4.72±0.82 ng/ml in the GDM and control group, respectively (P<0.0001). There was a positive relation between plasma FABP4 and PTEN when all blood samples, including GDM and control groups, were analyzed (P<0.05). The multiple-factor regression analysis revealed that plasma FABP4, TG, and PTEN were independent risk factors for increased insulin resistance. GDM patients have more severe insulin resistance compared to euglycemic pregnant women. Higher levels of plasma FABP4 and PTEN are associated with increased insulin resistance and may participate in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance during gestation.

Serotonin levels in platelet-poor plasma and whole blood in people with type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Hara, Katsuko; Hirowatari, Yuji; Shimura, Yuko; Takahashi, Hakuo

2011-11-01

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis activates platelets; activated platelets release serotonin, and therefore, evaluation of serotonin levels in blood could be a valuable biomarker for future risk of cardiovascular events. Plasma serotonin levels obtained from patients with DM complicated with chronic kidney disease were measured using HPLC and were compared to serotonin levels of healthy control subjects. Patients with DM were classified into 2 subgroups of mildly (group 1) and moderately/severely (group 2) impaired renal function. Serotonin concentration in platelet-poor plasma for group 1 was significantly higher than that of healthy control subjects (p < 0.01), and was significantly higher than that of patients from group 2 (p < 0.05). The concentration of serotonin in whole blood for group 2 patients was significantly lower than that measured from healthy control subjects (p < 0.01). The ratio of the plasma to whole blood level was significantly elevated in both groups 1 and 2 compared with healthy controls (p < 0.01). Our results indicate that platelets are activated to release serotonin into plasma in diabetic patients with mildly impaired renal function. When renal damage is advanced, platelets are over-activated to release serotonin. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma catecholamine levels before and after paroxetine treatment in patients with panic disorder.

PubMed

Oh, Jae-Young; Yu, Bum-Hee; Heo, Jung-Yoon; Yoo, Ikki; Song, Hyemin; Jeon, Hong Jin

2015-02-28

Catecholamines such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine are closely related to the autonomic nervous system, suggesting that panic disorder may involve elevated catecholamine levels. This study investigated basal and posttreatment catecholamine levels in patients with panic disorder. A total of 29 patients with panic disorder and 23 healthy controls participated in the study. Panic disorder patients received paroxetine treatment for 12 weeks after clinical tests and examination had been conducted. We investigated the difference in basal levels of catecholamine and measured the changes in catecholamine levels before and after drug treatment in panic disorder patients. The basal plasma epinephrine (48.87±6.18 pg/ml) and dopamine (34.87±3.57 pg/ml) levels of panic disorder patients were significantly higher than those (34.79±4.72 pg/ml and 20.40±3.53 pg/ml) of the control group. However, basal plasma norepinephrine levels did not show statistically significant differences between patients and controls. After drug therapy, plasma catecholamine levels were nonsignificantly decreased and norepinephrine levels showed a tendency toward a decrease that did not reach significance. In conclusion, this study suggests the possibility of a baseline increase of plasma catecholamine levels and activation of sympathetic nervous systems in patients with panic disorder which may normalize after treatment with paroxetine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Levels of plasma selenium and urinary total arsenic interact to affect the risk for prostate cancer.

PubMed

Hsueh, Yu-Mei; Su, Chien-Tien; Shiue, Horng-Sheng; Chen, Wei-Jen; Pu, Yeong-Shiau; Lin, Ying-Chin; Tsai, Cheng-Shiuan; Huang, Chao-Yuan

2017-09-01

This study investigated whether plasma selenium levels modified the risk for prostate cancer (PC) related to arsenic exposure. We conducted a case-control study that included 318 PC patients and 318 age-matched, healthy control subjects. Urinary arsenic profiles were examined using HPLC-HG-AAS and plasma selenium levels were measured by ICP-MS. We found that plasma selenium levels displayed a significant dose-dependent inverse association with PC. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for PC was 0.07 (0.04-0.13) among participants with a plasma selenium level >28.06 μg/dL vs. ≤19.13 μg/dL. A multivariate analysis showed that participants with a urinary total arsenic concentration >29.28 μg/L had a significantly higher OR (1.75, 1.06-2.89) for PC than participants with ≤29.89 μg/L. The combined presence of a low plasma selenium level and a high urinary total arsenic concentration exponentially increased the OR for PC, and additively interacted with PSA at levels ≥20 ng/mL. This is the first epidemiological study to examine the combined effects of plasma selenium and urinary total arsenic levels on the OR for PC. Our data suggest a low plasma selenium level coupled with a high urinary total arsenic concentration creates a significant risk for aggressive PC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Differences in Homocysteine Level between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients and Controls: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Dong, Jiaqi; Zhang, Rui; Lu, Meixia; Kong, Weijia

2014-01-01

Background Studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and homocysteine (HCY) level. This study aimed to assess the difference in plasma HCY level between OSA patients and controls by conducting a meta-analysis of published studies. Methods Database of PubMed, SCI, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) were comprehensively searched. Eligible studies regarding plasma HCY level in OSA patients were identified by two independent reviewers. RevMan (version 5.2) and STATA (version 12.0) were employed for data synthesis. Results A total of 10 studies involving 432 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that plasma HCY levels in OSA group were 3.11 µmol/l higher than that in control group (95% confidence interval: 2.08 to 4.15, P<0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed a more significant differences between OSA patients and controls when average body mass index ≥30 (the total weighted mean difference (WMD) was 3.64), average age<50 (the total WMD was 3.96) and average apnea hypopnea index ≥35 (the total WMD was 4.54). Conclusions In this meta-analysis, plasma HCY levels were found to be higher in OSA patients compared to control subjects. PMID:24769854

The role of BDNF, leptin, and catecholamines in reward learning in bulimia nervosa.

PubMed

Homan, Philipp; Grob, Simona; Milos, Gabriella; Schnyder, Ulrich; Eckert, Anne; Lang, Undine; Hasler, Gregor

2014-12-07

A relationship between bulimia nervosa and reward-related behavior is supported by several lines of evidence. The dopaminergic dysfunctions in the processing of reward-related stimuli have been shown to be modulated by the neurotrophin brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the hormone leptin. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, a reward learning task was applied to study the behavior of 20 female subjects with remitted bulimia nervosa and 27 female healthy controls under placebo and catecholamine depletion with alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT). The plasma levels of BDNF and leptin were measured twice during the placebo and the AMPT condition, immediately before and 1 hour after a standardized breakfast. AMPT-induced differences in plasma BDNF levels were positively correlated with the AMPT-induced differences in reward learning in the whole sample (P=.05). Across conditions, plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor levels were higher in remitted bulimia nervosa subjects compared with controls (diagnosis effect; P=.001). Plasma BDNF and leptin levels were higher in the morning before compared with after a standardized breakfast across groups and conditions (time effect; P<.0001). The plasma leptin levels were higher under catecholamine depletion compared with placebo in the whole sample (treatment effect; P=.0004). This study reports on preliminary findings that suggest a catecholamine-dependent association of plasma BDNF and reward learning in subjects with remitted bulimia nervosa and controls. A role of leptin in reward learning is not supported by this study. However, leptin levels were sensitive to a depletion of catecholamine stores in both remitted bulimia nervosa and controls. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

Responses of the pituitary-adrenal system of mice to an environment of high temperature and humidity.

PubMed

Nabeshima, T; Banno, S; Kameyama, T

1982-10-01

1. Changes in plasma glucose and corticosterone levels under an environment of high temperature and humidity similar to summers in Japan were investigated. 2. When mice were exposed to high temperature (30-40 degrees C) and humidity (70%), the plasma glucose levels increased with a short-term exposure and decreased with a long-term exposure compared to that of the control mice housed at room temperature (23 degrees C) and humidity (55%). 3. The magnitude of increase of plasma corticosterone levels depended on the degree of ambient temperature and the duration of exposure to the stressful conditions. The plasma corticosterone concentration was highest at 2 hr after initiation of the temperature stress and was reduced at 4 and 6 hr after the treatment: The plasma corticosterone had returned to the control level at 8 hr after the exposure. 4. The dexamethasone treatment inhibited the increase of plasma corticosterone in stress-mice. 5. These results suggest that the response of the plasma corticosterone is a better index than that of glucose for estimation of stress-degree.

Association of plasma manganese levels with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Sánchez-González, Cristina; López-Chaves, Carlos; Gómez-Aracena, Jorge; Galindo, Pilar; Aranda, Pilar; Llopis, Juan

2015-01-01

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element involved in the formation of bone and in amino acid, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Mn excess may be neurotoxic to humans, affecting specific areas of the central nervous system. However, relatively little is known about its physiological and/or toxicological effects, and very few data are available concerning the role of Mn in chronic renal failure (CRF). This paper describes a 12-month study of the evolution of plasma Mn levels in predialysis patients with CRF and the relationship with energy and macronutrient intake. The participants in this trial were 64 patients with CRF in predialysis and 62 healthy controls. Plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, total protein and Mn were measured. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault index. The CRF patients had higher plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and Mn and a lower GFR than the controls. Plasma Mn was positively correlated with creatinine, plasma urea and plasma uric acid and was negatively correlated with the GFR and the intake of energy and macronutrients. In conclusion, CRF in predialysis patients is associated with increases in circulating levels of Mn. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

[Physical activity in patients with symptoms of metabolic syndrome reduces the concentration of plasma antioxidant vitamins - protective effect of vitamin C].

PubMed

Godala, Małgorzata; Materek-Kuśmierkiewicz, Izabela; Moczulski, Dariusz; Rutkowski, Maciej; Szatko, Franciszek; Gaszyńska, Ewelina; Tokarski, Sławomir; Kowalski, Jan

2015-05-01

Patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those with the symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MS), are recommended regular exercise but many studies indicate its role in the production of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin C supplementation may enhance the antioxidant barrier in MS patients. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular physical activity (PA)and vitamin C supplementation on plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with MS. The study included 62 patients with MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria, 32 men and 30 women, aged 38-57 years (mean age 51,24 ± 5,29 years). The patients were divided in two groups: group I (MS+PA) - 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity; group II ( MS+PA+C) - 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation per os. The control group consisted of 23 healthy individuals without MS, 17 men and 6 women, aged 49-56 years (mean age 53,21 ± 3,6 years), who were not recommended any vitamin supplementation nor physical activity. Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were estimated in MS patients with spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after regular exercise with and without vitamin C supplementation. In the control group plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were assessed only once. The plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower (p<0,05) in MS patients than in the control group. After 6 weeks of regular physical activity a significant fall in plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins was observed in MS patients. In the group of patients with regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation there was detected a significant rise in the level of all the tested vitamins close to the levels in control group. Regular physical activity enhances the decrease in plasma antioxidant vitamin level in patients with MS. Vitamin C supplementation conducted in parallel with regular physical activity normalize plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in these patients. © 2015 MEDPRESS.

Elevated circulating endothelial cell-derived microparticle levels in patients with liver cirrhosis: a preliminary report

PubMed Central

Simon, Krzysztof Adam; Pazgan-Simon, Monika

2015-01-01

Aim of the study To determine plausible associations between liver cirrhosis and circulating endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and plasma nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. Material and methods Sixty patients with cirrhosis and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Circulating EMPs from platelet-poor plasma samples were examined by flow cytometry. These microparticles were categorized into endothelial cell-derived activated MPs (EMP-ac) (CD31+ CD42b– AN-V–) and endothelial cell-derived apoptotic MPs (EMP-ap) (CD31+ CD42b– AN-V+). Plasma VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma NO metabolites (NOx–) levels were determined using a Greiss reaction method. Results Compared with the healthy control subjects, the patients with cirrhosis showed a significant increase in plasma levels of both phenotypes of EMPs. When the presence of ascites was considered, the plasma levels of EMP-ap were higher (p < 0.01), as well as NOx– (p < 0.05). EMP-ap positively correlated with VEGF level in all cirrhotic patients and this correlation was stronger in decompensated cirrhotic patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent factors associated with the presence of ascites were high EMP-ap levels and elevated VEGF levels. Conclusions Elevated plasma levels of EMP-ap in addition to high levels of VEGF might be considered as valuable parameters for predicting the occurrence of ascites in cirrhotic patients. PMID:28856256

Effect of exercise and menstrual cycle status on plasma lipids, low density lipoprotein particle size, and apolipoproteins.

PubMed

Lamon-Fava, S; Fisher, E C; Nelson, M E; Evans, W J; Millar, J S; Ordovas, J M; Schaefer, E J

1989-01-01

Habitual physical exercise has been reported to have beneficial effects on plasma lipoproteins. To examine this question in women, plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and B levels, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size were determined in 25 women runners (9 of whom had exercise-related secondary amenorrhea) and 36 age-matched nonexercising women (controls). The eumenorrheic runners had significantly lower apo B levels and significantly greater mean apo A-I/apo B ratios and LDL particle sizes than did the control women (P less than 0.05). Lower apo B levels were correlated with decreased body mass index, a known exercise effect (P less than 0.0001). In addition, normally menstruating runners had cholesterol and triglyceride levels that were 7.6% and 25.4% lower, respectively, and apo A-I levels that were 6.4% higher than control women (P = NS). In amenorrheic runners all parameters were similar to values in control women, except that apo B levels were 20% lower (P less than 0.05). Amenorrheic runners had lower plasma apo A-I levels (13%) and significantly lower apo A-I/apo B ratios and estradiol levels than eumenorrheic runners, and serum estradiol values in the runners were correlated with apo A-I levels (P less than 0.01). These data indicate that the beneficial effects of strenuous exercise on plasma apo A-I levels and apo A-I/apo B ratios in women runners can be reversed by exercise-induced amenorrhea and decreased serum estradiol levels, and that women runners have lower apo B levels than nonexercising women, regardless of menstrual status.

Lecithin has no effect on serum lipoprotein, plasma fibrinogen and macro molecular protein complex levels in hyperlipidaemic men in a double-blind controlled study.

PubMed

Oosthuizen, W; Vorster, H H; Vermaak, W J; Smuts, C M; Jerling, J C; Veldman, F J; Burger, H M

1998-06-01

To examine the effects of lecithin on serum lipoprotein, plasma fibrinogen and macro molecular protein complex (MPC) levels. Twenty free living hyperlipidaemic men participated in this double-blind study which controlled for possible indirect effects. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: frozen yoghurt or frozen yoghurt with 20 g soya bean lecithin or frozen yoghurt with 17 g sunflower oil. Sunflower oil was used to control for the increased energy and linoleic acid intake from lecithin. Yoghurt served as the 'vehicle' for the lecithin and sunflower oil and yoghurt alone was given to one group to control for possible effects due to the yoghurt 'vehicle', as well as other environmental influences. Variables were measured with standard methods twice at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Plasma linoleic acid levels increased significantly with lecithin and sunflower oil treatments indicating that compliance to the treatments were obtained. Lecithin treatment did not have significant effects on serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B or lipoprotein (a) levels. Plasma fibrinogen and MPC levels were also not affected by lecithin therapy. Sunflower oil treatment resulted in significant increased body weight, serum TC and decreased MPC levels. Lecithin treatment had no independent effects on serum lipoprotein, plasma fibrinogen or MPC levels in hyperlipidaemic men.

Effect of increasing dietary fiber on plasma levels of colon-derived solutes in hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Sirich, Tammy L; Plummer, Natalie S; Gardner, Christopher D; Hostetter, Thomas H; Meyer, Timothy W

2014-09-05

Numerous uremic solutes are derived from the action of colon microbes. Two such solutes, indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol sulfate, have been associated with adverse outcomes in renal failure. This study tested whether increasing dietary fiber in the form of resistant starch would lower the plasma levels of these solutes in patients on hemodialysis. Fifty-six patients on maintenance hemodialysis were randomly assigned to receive supplements containing resistant starch (n=28) or control starch (n=28) daily for 6 weeks in a study conducted between October 2010 and May 2013. Of these, 40 patients (20 in each group) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Plasma indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol sulfate levels were measured at baseline and week 6. Increasing dietary fiber for 6 weeks significantly reduced the unbound, free plasma level of indoxyl sulfate (median -29% [25th percentile, 75th percentile, -56, -12] for fiber versus -0.4% [-20, 34] for control, P=0.02). The reduction in free plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate was accompanied by a reduction in free plasma levels of p-cresol sulfate (r=0.81, P<0.001). However, the reduction of p-cresol sulfate levels was of lesser magnitude and did not achieve significance (median -28% [-46, 5] for fiber versus 4% [-28, 36] for control, P=0.05). Increasing dietary fiber in hemodialysis patients may reduce the plasma levels of the colon-derived solutes indoxyl sulfate and possibly p-cresol sulfate without the need to intensify dialysis treatments. Further studies are required to determine whether such reduction provides clinical benefits. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Erythrocyte deformability and oxidative stress in inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Akman, Tulay; Akarsu, Mesut; Akpinar, Hale; Resmi, Halil; Taylan, Ebru; Sezer, Ebru

2012-02-01

Oxidative stress and reduced microvascular flow are important factors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The increased oxidative stress reduces the erythrocyte deformability. However, in IBD, there are no studies in the literature which evaluate erythrocyte deformability. In our study, we investigated the effect of oxidative stress and erythrocyte deformability in IBD. Forty-three patients with active IBD, 48 patients with inactive IBD and 45 healthy controls were included. The erytrocyte deformability, malonyldialdehyde levels, glutation peroxidase and sulfhydryl levels were measured in peripheral venous blood samples. Erytrocyte malonyldialdehyde levels in both active and inactive IBD were significantly increased compared with control groups. Plasma glutation peroxidase levels did not show statistically significant difference between all groups. The decreased plasma sulfhydryl levels in active IBD were statistically significant compared with both the inactive IBD and the control group, but plasma sulfhydryl levels in inactive IBD group did not show statistically significant differences when compared with the control group. Elongation index values in both active and inactive IBD increased significantly compared with the control group. Statistically significant correlations were not found between the elongation index and glutation peroxidase, malonyldialdehyde, sulfhydryl levels in all groups. Our study is the first to evaluate the erythrocyte deformability in IBD. In our study, increased erytrocyte malonyldialdehyde levels and decreased plasma sulfhydryl levels manifested the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the disease. It is thought that the increased erythrocyte malonyldialdehyde values cause the reduction in erythrocyte deformability.

Klotho dysfunction: A pathway linking the aging process to bipolar disorder?

PubMed

Barbosa, Izabela Guimarães; Rocha, Natalia Pessoa; Alpak, Gokay; Vieira, Erica Leandro Marciano; Huguet, Rodrigo Barreto; Rocha, Fabio Lopes; de Oliveira Diniz, Breno Satler; Teixeira, Antonio Lucio

2017-12-01

Although accelerated aging profile has been described in bipolar disorder (BD), the biology linking BD and aging is still largely unknown. Reduced levels and/or activity of a protein named Klotho is associated with decreased life span, premature aging and occurrence of age-related diseases. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate plasma levels of Klotho in BD patients and controls. Forty patients with type 1 BD and 30 controls were enrolled in this study. After clinical evaluation, peripheral blood samples were drawn and plasma levels of Klotho were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with BD and controls presented similar age and sex distribution. The mean ± SD length of illness was 24.00 ± 12.75 years. BD patients presented increased frequency of clinical comorbidities in comparison with controls, mainly arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism. Both patients with BD in remission and in mania exhibited increased plasma levels of Klotho in comparison with controls. There was no significant difference between patients in mania and patients in remission regarding the levels of Klotho. Klotho-related pathway is altered in BD. Contrary to our original hypothesis, our sample of patients with BD presented increased plasma levels of Klotho in comparison with controls. Elevated levels of Klotho in long-term BD patients may be associated with the disorder progression. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of Klotho in BD and other mood disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma oxidative stress level of IgA nephropathy in children and the effect of early intervention with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

PubMed

Pei, Yuxin; Xu, Yuanyuan; Ruan, Jingwei; Rong, Liping; Jiang, Mengjie; Mo, Ying; Jiang, Xiaoyun

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the plasma oxidative stress level in children with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and analyze its relativity to the clinical and pathological classification. To discuss the early effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) on the plasma oxidative stress level in children with IgA nephropathy. Thirty-eight children with IgAN were divided into groups according to their clinical features, pathologic grades, and treatments. Twenty healthy children were included in the control group. The plasma level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected. The plasma level of oxidative stress was significantly increased in the IgAN group, including a higher plasma level of AOPP and MDA and a lower plasma level of SOD. After treatment, the plasma level of oxidative stress was significantly decreased in the ACEI group. The children with IgAN had an increase in the plasma level of oxidative stress, expressed as an increased plasma level of AOPP and MDA and a decreased plasma level of SOD. Oxidative stress was associated with the progression of IgAN in children. Early treatment with ACEI therapy can significantly reduce the plasma level of oxidative stress in children with IgAN. © The Author(s) 2016.

Plasma arginine vasopressin level in hypothyroid women in relation to dietary sodium supply.

PubMed

Marcisz, Czesław; Marcisz-Orzeł, Magdalena; Straszecka, Joanna; Derejczyk, Małgorzata

2012-01-01

A disturbed regulation mechanism of arginine vasopressin secretion in response to plasma osmolality and volaemia changes occurs in hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to determine plasma arginine vasopressin concentration in hypothyroid women under conditions of a low sodium diet and in an upright position. Twenty-six women with primary hypothyroidism and 24 healthy women (control group) were investigated. In all the patients, the plasma arginine vasopressin and serum sodium and potassium levels, as well as plasma osmolality, were measured first under basal conditions, i.e. after three days of a normal sodium diet (120 mmol sodium per day) in a horizontal position, and next after three days of a low sodium diet (10 mmol Na per day) in an upright position. In hypothyroid patients, the investigations were repeated after a euthyroid state as a result of L-thyroxine treatment had been attained. An increase of vasopressinaemia, measured under basal conditions as well as after three days of the low sodium diet, was shown in untreated hypothyroid patients compared to the control group. The arginine vasopressin plasma level normalised after a euthyroid state had been attained. As a result of the low sodium diet and the upright position, a significant increase of arginine vasopressin secretion was observed in the control group and hypothyroid women in the euthyroid state. No significant increase of this neuropeptide level in untreated patients was shown while applying the low sodium diet and upright position. Plasma osmolality and natraemia were decreased in the untreated hypothyroid patients. No correlation between vasopressinaemia and plasma osmolality was shown. The plasma arginine vasopressin level is increased in hypothyroid women, and does not change in the upright position under the influence of a low sodium diet.

Related factors to disparity of diabetes care in Iran.

PubMed

Mirzazadeh, Ali; Baradaran, Hamid R; Haghdoost, Ali A; Salari, Pooria

2009-05-01

We determined, in Iranian patients with diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of inadequate glycemic control and its predictors. The data from a national population-based survey that included a random sample of 89 404 Iranian individuals in 2005 were analyzed. In that sample, 2923 diabetic subjects (age range, 25-64 years) were identified. We linked the results of their fasting plasma glucose levels with demographic and behavioral variables to determine predictors of poor glycemic control. About 57% of the subjects had a fasting plasma glucose level of > or =130 mg/dL. That percentage was comparable in male and female subjects and in literate and illiterate subjects. However, inhabitants in rural areas controlled their fasting plasma glucose level about 11% better than did subjects who lived in an urban area. We also found that control of the fasting plasma glucose level was much better in relatively younger diabetic patients. Diabetic subjects with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus exhibited a higher uncontrolled fasting plasma glucose level than those without positive family history of diabetes. The percentage of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes found in our study suggests that the Iranian healthcare system should devote more attention to that disorder, particularly in elderly individuals, who are more vulnerable to the complications of diabetes and control their disorder less well than do younger diabetic patients. The recent integration of diabetic care in primary healthcare systems in Iranian rural areas was found to have a promising effect on community health.

Smoking habits and plasma lipid peroxide and vitamin E levels in never-treated first-episode patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

2000-03-01

Lipid peroxidation may be increased in schizophrenia, due to the illness, lifestyle or medication. To determine plasma lipid peroxide levels and serum vitamin E and A levels in first-episode never-treated people with schizophrenia and in controls. Thirty in-patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or schizophreniform psychosis were recruited, as were controls matched for gender, age, smoking and dietary status. Blood samples were taken, smoking status was recorded and body mass index measured. There were no significant differences between patients and controls in plasma peroxide levels. Seventy-three per cent of the patients smoked. Patients who smoked had a higher mean lipid peroxide level than non-smokers. Seventy-seven per cent of patients and 70% of controls had a ratio of vitamin E to cholesterol of less than 5. Body mass index was lower in patients than in controls. As a result of the high prevalence of smoking this group shows increased lipid peroxidation. Low serum ratios of vitamin E to cholesterol in both patients and controls suggest an unsatisfactory diet.

Control of Plasma Aldosterone in Mammals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reinking, Larry N.

1980-01-01

Presents a discussion of the potential controls of plasma aldosterone levels in humans or mammals. A diagram is given which summarizes the controls. Topics for discussion, that are prompted by the diagram, are given at the end of the paper. (Author/SA)

Plasma viral microRNA profiles reveal potential biomarkers for chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection.

PubMed

Kawano, Yoshihiko; Iwata, Seiko; Kawada, Jun-ichi; Gotoh, Kensei; Suzuki, Michio; Torii, Yuka; Kojima, Seiji; Kimura, Hiroshi; Ito, Yoshinori

2013-09-01

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection has high mortality and morbidity, and biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis are required. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, and EBV encodes multiple miRNAs. Because plasma contains sufficiently stable miRNAs, circulating EBV-associated miRNA profiles were investigated as novel biomarkers in CAEBV infection. Plasma miRNA expression was assessed for 12 miRNAs encoded within 2 EBV open reading frames (BART and BHRF). Expression levels were investigated in 19 patients with CAEBV infection, 14 patients with infectious mononucleosis, and 11 healthy controls. Relative expression levels of plasma miRNAs were determined by TaqMan probe-based quantitative assay. Plasma miR-BART1-5p, 2-5p, 5, and 22 levels in patients with CAEBV infection were significantly greater than those in patients with infectious mononucleosis and in controls. Plasma miR-BART2-5p, 4, 7, 13, 15, and 22 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CAEBV infection with systemic symptoms, compared with levels in patients with no systemic symptoms. The levels of miR-BART2-5p, 13, and 15 showed clinical cutoff values associated with specific clinical conditions, in contrast to plasma EBV loads. Levels of specific plasma EBV miRNAs were elevated differentially in patients with CAEBV infection. Several EBV miRNAs, particularly miR-BART2-5p, 13, and 15, are potentially biomarkers of disease severity or prognosis.

Assessments of plasma ghrelin levels in the early stages of parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Song, Ning; Wang, Weiwei; Jia, Fengjv; Du, Xixun; Xie, Anmu; He, Qing; Shen, Xiaoli; Zhang, Jing; Rogers, Jack T; Xie, Junxia; Jiang, Hong

2017-10-01

Gastrointestinal symptoms are early events in Parkinson's disease (PD). The gastrointestinal hormone ghrelin was neuroprotective in the nigrostriatal dopamine system. The objective of this study was to assess ghrelin levels in the early stages of PD. Plasma was collected in the fasting state in 291 PD patients in stages 1-3 and 303 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Additional samples were taken in the glucose response test to assess nutrition-related ghrelin levels in 20 PD patients and 20 healthy controls. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure total and active plasma ghrelin levels. We reported that total and active plasma ghrelin levels were decreased in PD, although there was no difference across progressive PD stages. Postprandial ghrelin suppression and preprandial peak responses were both attenuated in PD. Plasma ghrelin levels were decreased in PD; however, this event might be irrelevant to PD progression. Ghrelin responses to meals were also impaired in PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Interleukin-7 Plasma Levels in Human Differentiate Anorexia Nervosa, Constitutional Thinness and Healthy Obesity.

PubMed

Germain, Natacha; Viltart, Odile; Loyens, Anne; Bruchet, Céline; Nadin, Katia; Wolowczuk, Isabelle; Estour, Bruno; Galusca, Bogdan

2016-01-01

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a cytokine involved in energy homeostasis as demonstrated in rodents. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restrained eating behavior despite adaptive orexigenic regulation profile including high ghrelin plasma levels. Constitutional thinness is a physiological condition of resistance to weight gain with physiological anorexigenic profile including high Peptide YY plasma level. Healthy obesity can be considered as a physiological state of resistance to weight loss with opposite appetite regulating profile to constitutional thinness including low Peptide YY plasma level. No studies in IL-7 are yet available in those populations. Therefore we evaluated circadian plasma levels of IL-7 in anorexia nervosa compared to constitutional thinness, healthy obese and control females. 10 restrictive-type anorexia nervosa women, 5 bingeing/purging anorexia nervosa woman, 5 recovered restrictive anorexia nervosa women, 4 bulimic females, 10 constitutional thinness women, 7 healthy obese females, and 10 normal weight women controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, performed in endocrinology unit and academic laboratory. Twelve-point circadian profiles of plasma IL-7 levels were measured in each subject. 24h mean IL-7 plasma levels (pg/ml, mean±SEM) were decreased in restrictive-type anorexia nervosa (123.4±14.4, p<0.0037), bingeing/purging anorexia nervosa (24.2±5.6, p<0.001), recovered restrictive anorexia nervosa (64.2±16.1, p = 0.01) and healthy obese patients (51±3.2, p<0.001) compared to controls (187.7±28.6). Bulimic patients (197.4±42.7) and constitutional thinness patients (264.3±35.8) were similar to controls. Low IL-7 is part of the adaptive profile in restrictive-type anorexia nervosa, confirming its difference with constitutional thinness. Healthy obesity, with low IL-7, is once again in mirror image of constitutional thinness with normal high IL-7.

Electroacupuncture effect at the LI 4 Hegu point on the plasma β-endorphin level of healthy subjects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiawardhani, A. L.; Srilestari, A.; Simadibrata, C.

2017-08-01

As a therapy modality, acupuncture is becoming popular for treating diseases. Nevertheless, the acupuncture mechanism of action remains unclear until now. Some studies suggest that acupuncture works by stimulating the β-endorphin release, whereas other studies show the opposite. This study aims to determine whether electro acupuncture at the LI 4 Hegu point could increase the plasma β-endorphin level as a basic of acupuncture mechanism of action. Thirty-six healthy subjects were involved and divided randomly into two groups, namely, intervention (n=18) and control (n=18). In the intervention group, electroacupuncture was applied at the LI 4 Hegu point with a low frequency for 30 min. In the control group, sham electroacupuncture was applied at a non-acupoint for 30 min. The plasma β-endorphin was examined before and after intervention using the ELISA method. A significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups in increasing the plasma β-endorphin level (9(50%) vs. 1(5.6%); p = 0.009). A significant difference was also observed in the plasma β-endorphin level after intervention between the two groups (35.1±3.4 vs. 10.3±1.8 p=0.003). Electroacupuncture at the LI 4 Hegu point was found to increase the plasma β-endorphin level in healthy subjects.

External control of ion waves in a plasma by high frequency fields

DOEpatents

Kaw, P.K.; Dawson, J.M.

1973-12-18

An apparatus and method are described for stabilizing plasma instabilities, in a magnetically confined plasma column by transmitting into the plasma high frequency electromagnetic waves at a frequency close to the electron plasma frequency. The said frequencies, e.g., are between the plasma frequency and 1.5 times the plasma frequency at a power level below the level for producing parametric instabilities in a plasma having temperatures from below 10 eV to about 10 keV or more, at densities from below 10/sup 13/ to above 10/sup 18/ particles/cm/sup 3/. (Official Gazette)

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, total antioxidant capacity, and total oxidant status in central serous chorioretinopathy.

PubMed

Türkcü, Fatih Mehmet; Yüksel, Harun; Yüksel, Hatice; Sahin, Alparslan; Cinar, Yasin; Cingü, Abdullah Kürşat; Sahin, Muhammed; Caça, Ihsan

2014-01-01

The objective of this work is to evaluate plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) levels in patients diagnosed with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and control samples. The TAC, TOS, and DHEA-S levels were assessed in the plasma of 46 CSCR patients and compared with 40 control samples. The TAC level was 1.16 ± 0.08 and 1.20 ± 0.09 mmol Trolox eq./l; TOS level was 28.77 ± 33.33 and 19.95 ± 10.42 μmol H202/l; DHEA-S level was 203.79 ± 84.75 μg/dl and 249.36 ± 122.93 μg/dl in the CSCR group and in the control group, respectively. The plasma TAC and DHEA-S values were significantly lower in the CSCR group than in the control group (p = 0.027 and p = 0.046, respectively). There was no significant difference between the CSCR and the control groups in terms of age, gender, and TOS levels (p > 0.05). We demonstrated that the levels of plasma DHEA-S and antioxidative parameters were reduced in CSCR. Our results suggest that the antioxidant defense system may be inadequate or corrupted in CSCR. Reduced DHEA-S level is one of the factors that trigger this insufficiency.

Relationships among plasma granzyme B level, pruritus and dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Kamata, Yayoi; Kimura, Utako; Matsuda, Hironori; Tengara, Suhandy; Kamo, Atsuko; Umehara, Yoshie; Iizumi, Kyoichi; Kawasaki, Hiroaki; Suga, Yasushi; Ogawa, Hideoki; Tominaga, Mitsutoshi; Takamori, Kenji

2016-12-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, allergic inflammation and intractable pruritus resistant to conventional antipruritic treatments, including H 1 -antihistamines. Granzymes (Gzms) are a family of serine proteases expressed by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells that have been shown to modulate inflammation. However, the relationship between Gzms and pathology in AD remains unclear. This study assessed the correlation between plasma GzmB levels and severity of pruritus and dermatitis, in AD patients. Plasma was collected from 46 patients with AD, 24 patients with psoriasis, and 30 healthy controls. AD severity was assessed with the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index, psoriasis severity with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), and degree of pruritus by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. GzmA, GzmB and gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Plasma GzmB concentrations were significantly higher in patients with AD and psoriasis than in healthy controls. Correlation analyses showed that plasma GzmB concentrations positively correlated with SCORAD and serum levels of severity markers such as thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, and lactate dehydrogenase in AD patients. Moreover, plasma levels of GRP, an itch-related peptide, were higher in patients with AD, positively correlating with VAS score and plasma GzmB level. In addition, plasma GzmB concentration was significantly lower in the treatment group than the untreated group with AD. Meanwhile, there were no correlations among GzmB levels, VAS score and PASI score in patients with psoriasis. In contrast to the results of plasma GzmB, plasma GzmA levels were unchanged among AD, psoriasis and healthy groups, and showed no correlations with VAS score and SCORAD index in patients with AD. Plasma GzmB levels may reflect the degree of pruritus and dermatitis in patients with AD. Copyright © 2016 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma klotho levels decrease in both anorexia nervosa and obesity.

PubMed

Amitani, Marie; Asakawa, Akihiro; Amitani, Haruka; Kaimoto, Kaori; Sameshima, Nanami; Koyama, Ken Ichiro; Haruta, Izumi; Tsai, Minglun; Nakahara, Toshihiro; Ushikai, Miharu; Cheng, Kai-Chun; Hamada, Satoshi; Inui, Akio

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of klotho with body mass index (BMI) in patients with restricting-type anorexia nervosa (r-AN) and obesity. We examined plasma klotho as well as adiponectin and its isoform levels in comparison in 11 obese patients, 12 r-AN patients, and 11 control participants. Plasma klotho levels were markedly lower in the obesity and r-AN groups than in the control group. Moreover, plasma klotho levels increased significantly after the recovery of BMI in r-AN patients. Total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels were significantly decreased only in obesity. There was no relationship between klotho and total adiponectin levels or klotho and respective adiponectin isoform levels in the entire study population. These results suggest that klotho may reflect normal nutritional state, and that the decrease of klotho in r-AN and obesity may underlie the deteriorating processes of these disorders. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relevance of plasma malondialdehyde level and severity of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

PubMed

Wang, Sheng-Lan; Zhu, Xin-Yan; Zhang, Dong-Wei; Zhang, Zhao-Jie; Gao, Heng-Jun; Yang, Chang-Qing

2015-01-01

Portal hypertension is one of the death reasons for the liver cirrhosis patients. The oxidative stress is related to the occurrence and development of portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), one of the lipid peroxides, increases substantially in cirrhotic patients. To evaluate the relevance between the MDA level and portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients. 60 liver cirrhotic patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. The plasma MDA level and general blood tests including ALT, AST, ALB, total bilirubin, and platelet were measured. All people enrolled accepted endoscopic examination and B-Ultrasound check to evaluate the severity of portal hypertension. The MDA plasma level of cirrhotic patients was significantly higher than the controls (P<0.001) and increased significantly accompanied by the severity of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension (P<0.01). Further, the plasma MDA level of cirrhotic patients was significantly correlated with Child-Pugh classification of cirrhosis (r=0.820, P<0.001), the degree of esophageal varices (r=0.857, P<0.001) and the width of portal vein (r=0.652, P<0.001). The ROC curve analyses showed that the plasma MDA level is a strong predictor of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Plasma MDA level may correlate with the severity of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

Increased adrenal steroid secretion in response to CRF in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.

PubMed

Genazzani, A D; Bersi, C; Luisi, S; Fruzzetti, F; Malavasi, B; Luisi, M; Petraglia, F; Genazzani, A R

2001-09-01

To evaluate adrenal steroid hormone secretion in response to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or to adrenocorticotropin hormone in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea. Controlled clinical study. Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Italy. Fifteen women with hypothalamic amenorrhea were enrolled in the study. Eight normal cycling women were used as control group. Blood samples were collected before and after an injection of ovine CRF (0.1 microg/kg iv bolus) or after synthetic ACTH (0.25 mg iv). Plasma levels of ACTH, 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17OHPe), progesterone (P), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), cortisol (F), 11-deoxycortisol (S) and androstenedione (A). Basal plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, DHEA and 17OHPe were significantly higher in patients than in controls, whereas plasma levels of progesterone and 17-OHP were significantly lower in patients than in controls. In amenorrheic women the ratio of 17-OHPe/DHEA, of 17-OHPe/17-OHP and of 11-deoxycortisol/cortisol were significantly higher than in controls, while a significant reduction in the ratio of 17-OHP/androstenedione, of 17-OHP/11-deoxycortisol was obtained. In response to corticotropin-releasing factor test, plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol, 17-OHP, 11-deoxycortisol, DHEA and androstenedione were significantly lower in patients than in controls. In response to adrenocorticotropin hormone, plasma levels of 17-OHP, androstenedione and androstenedione/cortisol were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Patients suffering for hypothalamic amenorrhea showed an increased activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as shown by the higher basal levels and by augmented adrenal hormone response to corticotropin-releasing factor administration. These data suggest a possible derangement of adrenal androgen enzymatic pathway.

Plasma serotonin in autism.

PubMed

Connors, Susan L; Matteson, Karla J; Sega, Gary A; Lozzio, Carmen B; Carroll, Roger C; Zimmerman, Andrew W

2006-09-01

Serotonin is necessary for normal fetal brain development. Administration of serotonin inhibitors to pregnant rats results in offspring with abnormal behaviors, brain morphology, and serotonin receptor numbers. Low maternal plasma serotonin may contribute to abnormal brain development in autism. In this study, plasma serotonin levels in autism mothers and control mothers of typically developing children were compared, and plasma serotonin levels in children with autism (n = 17) and their family members were measured. Plasma serotonin levels in autism mothers were significantly lower than in mothers of normal children (P = 0.002). Plasma serotonin levels correlated between autism mothers and their children, but differed between autistic children and their fathers (P = 0.028) and siblings (P = 0.063). Low maternal plasma serotonin may be a risk factor for autism through effects on fetal brain development.

Evaluation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in pediatric patients with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis and dehydration.

PubMed

Çelik, Tanju; Altekin, Emel; İşgüder, Rana; Kenesari, Yasin; Duman, Murat; Arslan, Nur

2013-09-03

Dehydration caused by acute rotavirus gastroenteritis is a frequent finding in pediatric patients. The most important treatment modality in these patients is recognising and treating dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and acute kidney injury. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is used widely as a biomarker for the diagnosis of acute or chronic renal injury in numerous clinical studies. It is recognized as an early marker of acute renal failure before the elevation of routine biochemical tests such as creatinine. The aim of this study is to investigate the plasma and urine NGAL concentrations in mildly or moderately dehydrated patients with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis. A total of 30 patients (13 girls, mean age 62.5 ± 46.2 months) with diarrhea and mild/moderate dehydration and 35 healthy controls (17 girls, mean age 81.1 ± 41.8 months) were enrolled in the study. Plasma and urine NGAL levels of the two groups were compared. The mean age, gender and serum creatinine levels of the patients and healthy controls were similar. The mean plasma and urine NGAL levels of the patients were significantly higher than controls (plasma: 118.6 ± 81.2 vs. 66.5 ± 11.3, p = 0.001 and urine: 17.7 ± 17.5 vs. 10.6 ± 7.9, p = 0.035, respectively). Mildly or moderately dehydrated children have higher plasma and urine NGAL levels compared to control subjects. Plasma and/or urine NGAL levels can be used for the early prediction of renal impairment in children with mild or moderate dehydration.

The effect of laserpuncture at the LI4 Hegu point on the plasma levels of β-endorphin in healthy subjects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihardja, H.; Srilestari, A.; Budianto, S. A.

2017-08-01

Laserpuncture is an acupuncture method for pain management. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of laserpuncture at the LI4 Hegu point on the plasma levels of β-endorphin in healthy subjects. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with placebo controls was conducted on 29 healthy subjects. Subjects were allocated into the laserpuncture group (n = 15) and the laserpuncture placebo group (n = 14). The plasma levels of β-endorphin were used to measure the output of the study assessed both before treatment and posttreatment. There are statistically significant differences in the mean plasma levels of β-endorphin before and after treatment in the laserpuncture group: changes in mean value from 0.22±0.06 ng/ml to 0.29±0.07 ng/ml with a p value = 0.005 (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean plasma levels of β-endorphin before and after treatment in the laserpuncture placebo group: changes in mean value from 0.22±0.06 ng/ml to 0.26±0.09 ng/ml with p value = 0.195 (p > 0.05). Between groups, there was not a statistically significant difference in the baseline mean plasma levels of β-endorphin (p = 0.183, p > 0.05). The conclusion of this study is that laserpuncture can affect the plasma levels of β-endorphin in healthy subjects when there is no statistically significant difference in the mean plasma levels of β-endorphin between groups.

Effect of space flights on plasma hormone levels in man and in experimental animal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macho, L.; Kvetňanský, R.; Vigaš, M.; Németh, S.; Popova, I.; Tigranian, R. A.; Noskov, V. B.; Serova, L.; Grigoriev, I. A.

An important increase of plasma hormone levels like insulin, TSH and aldosterone was observed in human subjects after space flights, however in the changes of plasma content of ACTH, cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline the individual variations were observed in relation to number and duration of space flight. For evaluation of the effects of these changes in plasma hormone levels on metabolic processes also the experiments with small animals subjected to space flights on a board of biosatellite of Cosmos series were running. An elevation of plasma levels of corticosterone, adrenaline, noradrenaline and insulin was found in rats after the space flights of duration from 7 to 20 days. It was demonstrated, that the increase of corticosterone in plasma is followed by the activation of enzymes involved in the aminoacid metabolism in rat liver (tyrosine aminotransferase, tryptophanpyrolase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase). After a short recovery period (2 to 6 days) the plasma corticosterone concentration and also the activity of liver enzymes returned to control levels. The exposition of animals to stress stimuli during this recovery period showed higher response of corticosterone levels in flight rats as compared to intact controls. The increase of plasma catecholamine levels was not followed by elevation of lipolysis in adipose tissue. This is due to lower response of adipose tissue to catecholamine because a decrease of the stimulation of lipolysis by noradrenaline was observed in animals after space flight. The increase of insulin was not followed by adequate decrease of glucose concentration suggesting a disturbances in glucose utilization similarly as in cosmonauts after a long-term space flight. These results showed that changes in plasma hormone levels, observed after space flight, affected the regulation of metabolic processes in tissues.

Effects of miglitol, vildagliptin, or their combination on serum insulin and peptide YY levels and plasma glucose, cholecystokinin, ghrelin, and obestatin levels.

PubMed

Aoki, Kazutaka; Kamiyama, Hiroshi; Masuda, Kiyomi; Kamiko, Kazunari; Noguchi, Yoshihiko; Tajima, Kazuki; Terauchi, Yasuo

2014-01-01

We previously reported that combination therapy with an α-glucosidase inhibitor (αGI) and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor increased active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels and decreased total glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) levels, compared with monotherapy, in non-diabetic men. However, the peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), ghrelin, and obestatin levels in patients receiving a combination of αGIs and DPP-4 inhibitors have not been previously reported. We evaluated the effect of miglitol, vildagliptin, or their combination on these parameters. Miglitol and/or vildagliptin were administered according to four different intake schedules in eleven non-diabetic men (C: no drug, M: miglitol; V: vildagliptin, M+V: miglitol+vildagliptin). Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after the start of breakfast. The plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum total PYY (PYY1-36 and PYY3-36), plasma CCK, plasma active ghrelin, and plasma obestatin levels were measured. The area under the curve (AUC) of the serum total PYY level in the M group was significantly greater than that in the C group, and the AUC of the serum total PYY level in the M+V group was significantly lower than that in the M group. The combination therapy did not change the AUC of the plasma CCK, plasma active ghrelin, plasma obestatin, and ghrelin/obestatin levels, compared with the control. The results of our study suggested that combination therapy with miglitol and vildagliptin had no effect on appetite regulation hormones, such as total PYY, CCK, active ghrelin, and obestatin, compared with the levels in the control group.

Chromium picolinate inhibits cholesterol-induced stimulation of platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic rats.

PubMed

Seif, A A

2015-06-01

Hypercholesterolemia indirectly increases the risk of myocardial infarction by enhancing platelet aggregation. Chromium has been shown to lower plasma lipids. This study was designed to investigate whether chromium inhibits platelet aggregation under hypercholesterolemic conditions. Albino rats were divided into four groups: control rats fed with a normolipemic diet (NLD group), chromium-supplemented rats fed with NLD (NLD + Cr group), rats fed with a high-fat diet (HF group), and chromium-supplemented rats fed with HF (HF + Cr group). After 10 weeks, blood was collected to determine adenosine diphosphate and collagen-induced platelet aggregation and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, and thromboxane B2. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was calculated by Friedewald formula. High-fat diet animals displayed significant elevation of plasma lipids and platelet aggregation which was normalized to control levels by chromium supplementation. Chromium supplementation in normolipemic (NLD + Cr) rats did not produce significant changes in either plasma lipids or platelet activity. Chromium supplementation to hypercholesterolemic rats improves the lipid profile and returns platelet hyperaggregability to control levels. This normalization is mostly due to a reduction in plasma cholesterol level.

Elevated plasma endothelin-1 and pulmonary arterial pressure in children exposed to air pollution.

PubMed

Calderón-Garcidueñas, Lilian; Vincent, Renaud; Mora-Tiscareño, Antonieta; Franco-Lira, Maricela; Henríquez-Roldán, Carlos; Barragán-Mejía, Gerardo; Garrido-García, Luis; Camacho-Reyes, Laura; Valencia-Salazar, Gildardo; Paredes, Rogelio; Romero, Lina; Osnaya, Hector; Villarreal-Calderón, Rafael; Torres-Jardón, Ricardo; Hazucha, Milan J; Reed, William

2007-08-01

Controlled exposures of animals and humans to particulate matter (PM) or ozone air pollution cause an increase in plasma levels of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor that regulates pulmonary arterial pressure. The primary objective of this field study was to determine whether Mexico City children, who are chronically exposed to levels of PM and O(3) that exceed the United States air quality standards, have elevated plasma endothelin-1 levels and pulmonary arterial pressures. We conducted a study of 81 children, 7.9 +/- 1.3 years of age, lifelong residents of either northeast (n = 19) or southwest (n = 40) Mexico City or Polotitlán (n = 22), a control city with PM and O(3) levels below the U.S. air quality standards. Clinical histories, physical examinations, and complete blood counts were done. Plasma endothelin-1 concentrations were determined by immunoassay, and pulmonary arterial pressures were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Mexico City children had higher plasma endothelin-1 concentrations compared with controls (p < 0.001). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was elevated in children from both northeast (p < 0.001) and southwest (p < 0.05) Mexico City compared with controls. Endothelin-1 levels in Mexico City children were positively correlated with daily outdoor hours (p = 0.012), and 7-day cumulative levels of PM air pollution < 2.5 mum in aerodynamic diameter (PM(2.5)) before endothelin-1 measurement (p = 0.03). Chronic exposure of children to PM(2.5) is associated with increased levels of circulating endothelin-1 and elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure.

Customized Internal Reference Controls for Improved Assessment of Circulating MicroRNAs in Disease.

PubMed

Schlosser, Kenny; McIntyre, Lauralyn A; White, R James; Stewart, Duncan J

2015-01-01

Altered levels of circulating extracellular miRNA in plasma and serum have shown promise as non-invasive biomarkers of disease. However, unlike the assessment of cellular miRNA levels for which there are accepted housekeeping genes, analogous reference controls for normalization of circulating miRNA are lacking. Here, we provide an approach to identify and validate circulating miRNA reference controls on a de novo basis, and demonstrate the advantages of these customized internal controls in different disease settings. Importantly, these internal controls overcome key limitations of external spike-in controls. Using a global RT-qPCR screen of 1066 miRNAs in plasma from pulmonary hypertension patients (PAH) and healthy subjects as a case example, we identified a large pool of initial candidate miRNAs that were systematically ranked according to their plasma level stability using a predefined algorithm. The performance of the top candidates was validated against multiple comparators, and in a second independent cohort of PAH and control subjects. The broader utility of this approach was demonstrated in a completely different disease setting with 372 miRNAs screened in plasma from septic shock patients and healthy controls. Normalization of data with specific internal reference controls significantly reduced the overall variation in circulating miRNA levels between subjects (relative to raw data), provided a more balanced distribution of up- and down-regulated miRNAs, replicated the results obtained by the benchmark geometric averaging of all detected miRNAs, and outperformed the commonly used external spike-in strategy. We demonstrate the feasibility of identifying circulating reference controls that can reduce extraneous technical variations, and improve the assessment of disease-related changes in plasma miRNA levels. This study provides a novel conceptual framework that addresses a critical and previously unmet need if circulating miRNAs are to advance as reliable diagnostic tools in medicine.

Customized Internal Reference Controls for Improved Assessment of Circulating MicroRNAs in Disease

PubMed Central

Schlosser, Kenny; McIntyre, Lauralyn A.; White, R. James; Stewart, Duncan J.

2015-01-01

Background Altered levels of circulating extracellular miRNA in plasma and serum have shown promise as non-invasive biomarkers of disease. However, unlike the assessment of cellular miRNA levels for which there are accepted housekeeping genes, analogous reference controls for normalization of circulating miRNA are lacking. Here, we provide an approach to identify and validate circulating miRNA reference controls on a de novo basis, and demonstrate the advantages of these customized internal controls in different disease settings. Importantly, these internal controls overcome key limitations of external spike-in controls. Methods Using a global RT-qPCR screen of 1066 miRNAs in plasma from pulmonary hypertension patients (PAH) and healthy subjects as a case example, we identified a large pool of initial candidate miRNAs that were systematically ranked according to their plasma level stability using a predefined algorithm. The performance of the top candidates was validated against multiple comparators, and in a second independent cohort of PAH and control subjects. The broader utility of this approach was demonstrated in a completely different disease setting with 372 miRNAs screened in plasma from septic shock patients and healthy controls. Results Normalization of data with specific internal reference controls significantly reduced the overall variation in circulating miRNA levels between subjects (relative to raw data), provided a more balanced distribution of up- and down-regulated miRNAs, replicated the results obtained by the benchmark geometric averaging of all detected miRNAs, and outperformed the commonly used external spike-in strategy. Conclusions We demonstrate the feasibility of identifying circulating reference controls that can reduce extraneous technical variations, and improve the assessment of disease-related changes in plasma miRNA levels. This study provides a novel conceptual framework that addresses a critical and previously unmet need if circulating miRNAs are to advance as reliable diagnostic tools in medicine. PMID:26010841

Pronounced and sustained central hypernoradrenergic function in major depression with melancholic features: relation to hypercortisolism and corticotropin-releasing hormone.

PubMed

Wong, M L; Kling, M A; Munson, P J; Listwak, S; Licinio, J; Prolo, P; Karp, B; McCutcheon, I E; Geracioti, T D; DeBellis, M D; Rice, K C; Goldstein, D S; Veldhuis, J D; Chrousos, G P; Oldfield, E H; McCann, S M; Gold, P W

2000-01-04

Both stress-system activation and melancholic depression are characterized by fear, constricted affect, stereotyped thinking, and similar changes in autonomic and neuroendocrine function. Because norepinephrine (NE) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) can produce these physiological and behavioral changes, we measured the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels each hour for 30 consecutive hours in controls and in patients with melancholic depression. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were obtained every 30 min. Depressed patients had significantly higher CSF NE and plasma cortisol levels that were increased around the clock. Diurnal variations in CSF NE and plasma cortisol levels were virtually superimposable and positively correlated with each other in both patients and controls. Despite their hypercortisolism, depressed patients had normal levels of plasma ACTH and CSF CRH. However, plasma ACTH and CSF CRH levels in depressed patients were inappropriately high, considering the degree of their hypercortisolism. In contrast to the significant negative correlation between plasma cortisol and CSF CRH levels seen in controls, patients with depression showed no statistical relationship between these parameters. These data indicate that persistent stress-system dysfunction in melancholic depression is independent of the conscious stress of the disorder. These data also suggest mutually reinforcing bidirectional links between a central hypernoradrenergic state and the hyperfunctioning of specific central CRH pathways that each are driven and sustained by hypercortisolism. We postulate that alpha-noradrenergic blockade, CRH antagonists, and treatment with antiglucocorticoids may act at different loci, alone or in combination, in the treatment of major depression with melancholic features.

Circulating DNA: a potential marker of sickle cell crisis.

PubMed

Vasavda, Nisha; Ulug, Pinar; Kondaveeti, Sheila; Ramasamy, Karthik; Sugai, Taku; Cheung, Gordon; Rees, David C; Awogbade, Moji; Bannister, Sybil; Cunningham, Juliette; Menzel, Stephan; Thein, Swee Lay

2007-10-01

Free circulating DNA is present in the plasma of healthy subjects, and is elevated in conditions characterized by increased cell death, such as cancer and physical trauma. Analysis of circulating DNA in plasma could provide a useful biomarker in sickle cell disease (SCD) in view of the increased cell turnover through chronic ongoing haemolysis, recurrent vaso-occlusion and inflammation. Plasma DNA was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the beta-globin gene (HBB) in 154 patients with SCD [105 haemoglobin (Hb)SS, 46 HbSC and three HbS/beta(0) thalassaemia] and 53 ethnically matched controls. Blood samples were obtained from all patients in steady state; 21 of the 154 patients were also sampled during admission to hospital for acute pain. Median concentration of circulating plasma DNA in acute pain was more than 10-fold that in steady state and in controls - 10070 vs. 841 and 10070 vs. 933 genome equivalents/ml respectively (P < 0.0001, in both cases). During steady state, patients had plasma DNA levels similar to controls. Plasma DNA levels in SCD correlated with C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.005) and total white cell counts (P < 0.05) in steady state. The study shows that plasma DNA concentration may have potential as a biomarker in sickle cell patients.

Plasma arachidonic acid and serum thromboxane B2 concentrations in phenylketonuric children negatively correlate with dietary compliance.

PubMed

Agostoni, C; Marangoni, F; Riva, E; Giovannini, M; Galli, C

1997-03-01

The study addresses the relationship of plasma arachidonic acid and thromboxane production with the dietary compliance in treated phenylketonuric patients, whose vegan-like dietary pattern makes them a useful model to evaluate the effects of the near-total avoidance of animal fats. Thirteen treated phenylketonuric children were compared with twelve healthy controls for arachidonic acid intake, plasma fatty acids and platelet thromboxane B2 production, assessed as accumulation of this eicosanoid in serum. The calculated intake of arachidonic acid was lower in phenylketonurics than in controls and this was associated with lower levels in plasma lipids. Plasma arachidonic acid concentrations and serum thromboxane B2 levels correlated with the last 12 months phenylalanine levels, taken as negative indicator of dietary compliance. A direct relationship between plasma arachidonic acid concentration and thromboxane B2 production was observed only in phenylketonuric patients (r = 0.74, P = 0.01). While well-compliant PKU subjects have low arachidonic acid and thromboxane concentrations in plasma, the low compliance with animal food avoidance, evoking higher phenylalanine levels, results in elevation of both plasma arachidonic acid and serum thromboxane B2. This gives support to the hypothesis that the consumption of animal fats may affect the production of arachidonic acid-derived platelet eicosanoids.

Association of faecal elastase 1 with non-fasting triglycerides in type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Rathmann, Wolfgang; Haastert, Burkhard; Oscarsson, Jan; Berglind, Niklas; Lindkvist, Björn; Wareham, Nicholas J

2016-01-01

Intestinal absorption of esterified fatty acids depends on exocrine pancreatic function and influences plasma triglycerides levels. The aim was to investigate the association of reduced exocrine pancreatic function (low fecal elastase-1; FE1) with plasma triglycerides in type 2 diabetes and controls without diabetes. FE1 (μg/g stool) and non-fasting plasma triglyceride measurements were undertaken in 544 type 2 diabetes patients (age: 63 ± 8 years) randomly selected from diabetes registers in Cambridgeshire (UK), and 544 matched controls (age, sex, practice) without diabetes. Linear regression models were fitted using FE1 as dependent and log-triglycerides as independent variable adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, serum lipase, HbA1c, and smoking. FE1 concentrations were lower (mean ± SD: 337 ± 204 vs. 437 ± 216 μg/g, p < 0.05) and plasma triglycerides were higher (geometric mean */: standard deviation factor: 2.2*/:1.9 vs. 1.6*/:1.8 mmol/l, p < 0.05) in type 2 diabetes compared to controls, respectively. Within the category of type 2 diabetes and controls separately, a 10% increase in plasma triglycerides was associated with 4.5 μg/g higher FE1 concentrations (p < 0.01) after adjusting for confounders. In contrast, in diabetes patients and controls with pathological FE1 (<100 μg/g), low FE1 levels were associated with high plasma triglycerides (significant only in controls). Non-fasting triglycerides were positively related to FE1 in both type 2 diabetes and controls suggesting that impairment of exocrine pancreas function is influencing plasma triglycerides. Marked loss of exocrine pancreatic function had the opposite effect, resulting in higher levels of plasma triglycerides. Copyright © 2016 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Increased plasma/serum levels of prolactin in multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wei, Wei; Liu, Lei; Cheng, Zhong-Le; Hu, Bo

2017-08-01

Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone that is known to stimulate humoral and cell mediated immune responses. PRL levels have been investigated in several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS); however, these have yielded different and inconsistent results. This study aims to perform a more precise evaluation on the plasma/serum PRL levels in MS patients, and to explore the available influential factors. Research related to plasma/serum PRL levels in MS patients and healthy controls were gathered using PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library database (until Mar 31 2016). Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by fixed-effects or random-effect model analysis. Heterogeneity test was performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I 2 , and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. 516 articles were obtained after searching databases, and 8 studies with 426 MS patients and 296 controls were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the MS group had significantly higher plasma/serum PRL levels, with the SMD of 0.55 and 95%CI (0.39, 0.72). Subgroup analyses showed that region, age and disease duration were associated with PRL level in MS patients. In summary, our meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher PRL level in MS patients than healthy controls, and it is influenced by region, age and disease duration.

Plasma MMP1 and MMP8 expression in breast cancer: Protective role of MMP8 against lymph node metastasis

PubMed Central

Decock, Julie; Hendrickx, Wouter; Vanleeuw, Ulla; Van Belle, Vanya; Van Huffel, Sabine; Christiaens, Marie-Rose; Ye, Shu; Paridaens, Robert

2008-01-01

Background Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases have been found to associate with poor prognosis in various carcinomas. This study aimed at evaluating plasma levels of MMP1, MMP8 and MMP13 as diagnostic and prognostic markers of breast cancer. Methods A total of 208 breast cancer patients, of which 21 with inflammatory breast cancer, and 42 healthy controls were included. Plasma MMP1, MMP8 and MMP13 levels were measured using ELISA and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. Results Median plasma MMP1 levels were higher in controls than in breast cancer patients (3.45 vs. 2.01 ng/ml), while no difference was found for MMP8 (10.74 vs. 10.49 ng/ml). ROC analysis for MMP1 revealed an AUC of 0.67, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 24% at a cut-off value of 4.24 ng/ml. Plasma MMP13 expression could not be detected. No correlation was found between MMP1 and MMP8 levels. We found a trend of lower MMP1 levels with increasing tumour size (p = 0.07); and higher MMP8 levels with premenopausal status (p = 0.06) and NPI (p = 0.04). The median plasma MMP1 (p = 0.02) and MMP8 (p = 0.007) levels in the non-inflammatory breast cancer patients were almost twice as high as those found in the inflammatory breast cancer patients. Intriguingly, plasma MMP8 levels were positively associated with lymph node involvement but showed a negative correlation with the risk of distant metastasis. Both controls and lymph node negative patients (pN0) had lower MMP8 levels than patients with moderate lymph node involvement (pN1, pN2) (p = 0.001); and showed a trend for higher MMP8 levels compared to patients with extensive lymph node involvement (pN3) and a strong predisposition to distant metastasis (p = 0.11). Based on the hypothesis that blood and tissue protein levels are in reverse association, these results suggest that MMP8 in the tumour may have a protective effect against lymph node metastasis. Conclusion In summary, we observed differences in MMP1 and MMP8 plasma levels between healthy controls and breast cancer patients as well as between breast cancer patients. Interestingly, our results suggest that MMP8 may affect the metastatic behaviour of breast cancer cells through protection against lymph node metastasis, underlining the importance of anti-target identification in drug development. PMID:18366705

Plasma kisspeptin levels in male cases with hypogonadism.

PubMed

Kotani, Masato; Katagiri, Fumihiko; Hirai, Tsuyoshi; Kagawa, Jiro

2014-01-01

The hypothalamic hormone kisspeptin (metastin) regulates human reproduction by modulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Kisspeptin is detected in peripheral blood, although GnRH is not. In this study, we measured plasma kisspeptin levels in four male cases with hypogonadism and seven normal male controls using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to elucidate the clinical implications of kisspeptin levels in male hypogonadism. The results showed a variety of plasma kisspeptin levels: 6.0 fmol/mL in a male with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), 43.2 fmol/mL in a male with Kallmann's syndrome, 40.7 fmol/mL in a male with azoospermia, 323.2 fmol/mL in a male with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and 12.3 ± 2.5 fmol/mL (mean ± SD) in seven normal controls. Except for the case with IHH, the plasma kisspetin levels were elevated in the three cases with Kallmann's syndrome, azoospermia, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. The reason why the three cases had high values was their lesions were downstream of the kisspeptin neuron in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, suggesting that elevated kisspeptin levels were implicated in hypothalamic kisspeptin secretion under decreased negative feedback of gonadal steroids. The result that the plasma kisspeptin levels were decreased by gonadotropin therapy in the case with Kallmann's syndrome supported this hypothesis. In conclusion, to measure plasma kisspeptin levels could be useful for better understanding of male hypogonadism.

Effects of short-term acid and aluminum exposure on the parr-smolt transformation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Disruption of seawater tolerance and endocrine status

USGS Publications Warehouse

Monette, M.Y.; Bjornsson, Bjorn Thrandur; McCormick, S.D.

2008-01-01

Episodic acidification resulting in increased acidity and inorganic aluminum (Ali) is known to interfere with the parr-smolt transformation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and has been implicated as a possible cause of population decline. To determine the extent and mechanism(s) by which short-term acid/Al exposure compromises smolt development, Atlantic salmon smolts were exposed to either control (pH 6.7-6.9) or acid/Al (pH 5.4-6.3, 28-64 ??g l-1 Ali) conditions for 2 and 5 days, and impacts on freshwater (FW) ion regulation, seawater (SW) tolerance, plasma hormone levels and stress response were examined. Gill Al concentrations were elevated in all smolts exposed to acid/Al relative to controls confirming exposure to increased Ali. There was no effect of acid/Al on plasma ion concentrations in FW however, smolts exposed to acid/Al followed by a 24 h SW challenge exhibited greater plasma Cl- levels than controls, indicating reduced SW tolerance. Loss of SW tolerance was accompanied by reductions in gill Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) activity and Na+,K+,2Cl- (NKCC) cotransporter protein abundance. Acid/Al exposure resulted in decreased plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and 3,3???,5???-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) levels, whereas no effect of treatment was seen on plasma cortisol, growth hormone (GH), or thyroxine (T4) levels. Acid/Al exposure resulted in increased hematocrit and plasma glucose levels in FW, but both returned to control levels after 24 h in SW. The results indicate that smolt development and SW tolerance are compromised by short-term exposure to acid/Al in the absence of detectable impacts on FW ion regulation. Loss of SW tolerance during short-term acid/Al exposure likely results from reductions in gill NKA and NKCC, possibly mediated by decreases in plasma IGF-I and T3. ?? 2008 Elsevier Inc.

Increased Endogenous Sulfur Dioxide Involved in the Pathogenesis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Children: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Li, Hong-Xia; Zheng, Xiao-Chun; Chen, Si-Yao; Liao, Ying; Han, Zhen-Hui; Huang, Pan; Sun, Chu-Fan; Liu, Jia; Song, Jing-Yuan; Tang, Chao-Shu; Du, Jun-Bao; Chen, Yong-Hong; Jin, Hong-Fang

2018-02-20

The pathogenesis of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the changes and significance of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) in patients with POTS. The study included 31 children with POTS and 27 healthy children from Peking University First Hospital between December 2013 and October 2015. A detailed medical history, physical examination results, and demographic characteristics were collected. Hemodynamics was recorded and the plasma SO 2 was determined. The plasma SO 2 was significantly higher in POTS children compared to healthy children (64.0 ± 20.8 μmol/L vs. 27.2 ± 9.6 μmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). The symptom scores in POTS were positively correlated with plasma SO 2 levels (r = 0.398, P < 0.05). In all the study participants, the maximum heart rate (HR) was positively correlated with plasma levels of SO 2 (r = 0.679, P < 0.01). The change in systolic blood pressure from the supine to upright (ΔSBP) in POTS group was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The ΔSBP was negatively correlated with baseline plasma SO 2 levels in all participants (r = -0.28, P < 0.05). In the control group, ΔSBP was positively correlated with the plasma levels of SO 2 (r = 0.487, P < 0.01). The change in HR from the supine to upright in POTS was obvious compared to that of the control group. The area under curve was 0.967 (95% confidence interval: 0.928-1.000), and the cutoff value of plasma SO 2 level >38.17 μmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 92.6% for predicting the diagnosis of POTS. Increased endogenous SO 2 levels might be involved in the pathogenesis of POTS.

Adult Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Bone Pain Crisis have Elevated Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

PubMed Central

Alagbe, Adekunle Emmanuel; Aworanti, Oladapo Wale

2018-01-01

Background and Objectives Inflammatory markers that influence bone pain crisis (BPC) and other complications of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) are numerous and play various roles. This study determined the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) - α, interleukin - 8 (IL-8), and endothelin - 1 (ET-1) in adult SCA patients during BPC and in steady state. In addition, the plasma levels of these cytokines were correlated with the severity of BPC of the patients. Methods and Materials Sixty adult SCA patients (30 during BPC and 30 during steady state) and 30 haemoglobin A controls were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. The severity of BPC was assessed clinically, and questionnaires were filled. Plasma levels of TNF- α, IL-8 and ET-1 were quantified by ELISA, and haematological parameters were determined using a 5-part auto-analyzer. Plasma levels were correlated with the severity of bone pain crisis. Results were considered statistically significant if p<0.05. Results Plasma TNF-α, IL-8, and ET-1 were significantly elevated in the BPC group than in the steady state group and the controls. Plasma TNF-α, IL-8 and ET-1 were markedly higher in the severe BPC groups than the steady state and control groups, There was a positive correlation between TNF-α and ET-1 in the bone pain crisis group. Conclusion Elevated levels of plasma TNF-α, IL-8, and ET-1 further establish the chronic inflammatory state in SCA and equally affirm their significant contribution, not only to pathogenesis but also to the severity of pain in SCA. PMID:29531654

Elevated Proangiogenic Markers are Associated with Vascular Complications within Ghanaian Sickle Cell Disease Patients.

PubMed

Antwi-Boasiako, Charles; Frimpong, Emmanuel; Gyan, Ben; Kyei-Baafour, Eric; Sey, Fredericka; Dzudzor, Bartholomew; Abdul-Rahman, Mubarak; Dankwah, Gifty B; Otu, Kate H; Ndanu, Tom A; Campbell, Andrew D; Ekem, Ivy; Donkor, Eric S

2018-06-27

: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that can result in vasculopathy and end organ damage. Angiogenesis has been implicated as a key contributing factor to vascular mediated tissue injury in SCD. The relative plasma levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) greatly influence angiogenesis. Dysregulation of these growth factors, leading to a pro-angiogenic state in SCD patients, has been documented in the developed world but there is very little data in Africa. There is the need, therefore, for studies in Ghanaian SCD patients. The aim of this study was to assess plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in homozygous (HbSS) SCD patients with or without complications and healthy controls (HbAA) in Ghana. The study was a case-control study involving 544 participants: 396 HbSS SCD patients and 148 HbAA healthy controls. The study was conducted at the Center for Clinical Genetics (Sickle Cell Clinic) and Accra Area Blood Centre for National Blood transfusion at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF of study participants were measured with a double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Complete blood count (CBC) was measured with an autoanalyser. The mean plasma Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF were significantly higher in HbSS SCD patients with or without complications than healthy controls ( p < 0.001). The Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio was significantly lower in the controls than the HbSS patients ( p < 0.001). The Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio was higher in the HbSS patients with leg ulcers as compared with patients with other complications and healthy controls ( p < 0.001). There were higher leucocyte counts in HbSS patients than healthy controls. Overall, there was elevated plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in SCD patients. The higher Ang-2/Ang-1 plasma levels in patients with leg ulcers suggests a possible ongoing angiogenesis and response to inflammatory stimuli. The study provides a first report on plasma levels of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and vascular endothelial growth factors in homozygous sickle cell disease patients in Ghana.

Plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines and the risk of mortality in HIV-infected individuals: a case-control analysis nested in a large clinical trial

PubMed Central

French, MA; Cozzi-Lepri, A; Arduino, RC; Johnson, M; Achhra, AC; Landay, A

2015-01-01

Background All-cause mortality and serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) in individuals with HIV-1 infection receiving antiretroviral therapy are associated with increased production of interleukin (IL)-6, which appears to be driven by monocyte/macrophage activation. Plasma levels of other cytokines or chemokines associated with immune activation might also be biomarkers of an increased risk of mortality and/or SNAEs. Methods Baseline plasma samples from 142 participants enrolled into the SMART study who subsequently died, and 284 matched controls, were assayedfor levels of 15 cytokines and chemokines. Cytokine and chemokine levels were analysed individually and when grouped according to function (innate/pro-inflammatory response, cell trafficking and cell activation/proliferation) for their association with the risk of subsequent death. Results Higher plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha) were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality but in analyses adjusted for potential confounders, only the association with IL-6 persisted. Increased plasma levels of the chemokine CXCL8 were also associated with all-cause mortality independently of HCV status but not when analyses were adjusted for all confounders. In contrast, higher plasma levels of cytokines mediating cell activation/proliferation were not associated with a higher mortality risk and exhibited a weak protective effect when analysed as a group. Conclusions While plasma levels of IL-6 are the most informative biomarker of cytokine dysregulation associated with all-cause mortality in individuals with HIV-1 infection, assessment of plasma levels of CXCL8 might provide information about causes of mortality and possibly SNAEs. PMID:25695873

[Hormonal changes during relaxation].

PubMed

Gallois, P; Forzy, G; Dhont, J L

1984-01-01

Among 10 subjects who practiced autogenic training (AT) and 10 subjects who practiced transcendental meditation (TM), compared to 10 control subjects during 40 minutes, have been observed the following results: --decrease in cortisol plasma level (reaching a minima of 2 g/100 ml), --decrease in prolactin plasma level, --the basal plasma level of cortisol and prolactin were significantly lower in the TM group. Lastly, the urinary catecholamines (UC) increase after 40 minutes of rest in the control group, whereas the UC decrease in the TA group and most certainly in the TM group. All these variations indicate a humoral modification which seems to be the opposite of the state induced by stress.

Plasma IL-17A levels in patients with late-life depression.

PubMed

Saraykar, Smita; Cao, Bo; Barroso, Lucelia S; Pereira, Kelly S; Bertola, Laiss; Nicolau, Mariana; Ferreira, Jessica D; Dias, Natalia S; Vieira, Erica L; Teixeira, Antonio L; Silva, Ana Paula M; Diniz, Breno S

2018-01-01

A consistent body of research has confirmed that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, the soluble IL-2 receptor, and C-reactive protein, compared to controls; however, there is limited information on IL-17A in MDD. Moreover, information about IL-17A in older populations, i.e., patients with late-life depression (LLD), is conspicuously missing from the literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of IL-17A in LLD. A convenience sample of 129 individuals, 74 with LLD and 55 non-depressed controls, were enrolled in this study. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare plasma IL-17A levels between LLD and controls subjects, and Spearman's rank order correlation was used to investigate correlation of these levels with clinical, neuropsychological, and cognitive assessments. Plasma IL-17A levels were not statistically different between LLD patients and controls (p = 0.94). Among all subjects (LLD + control), plasma IL-17A did not correlate significantly with depressive symptoms (rho = -0.009, p = 0.92) but a significant correlation was observed with cognitive assessments (rho = 0.22, p = 0.01). Our findings do not support an association between plasma IL-17A levels and LLD. Nevertheless, IL-17A may be associated with cognitive impairment in LLD patients. If this finding is confirmed in future longitudinal studies, modulation of the T-helper 17 cell (Th17) immune response may be a treatment target for cognitive impairment in this population.

Association of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) Gene -675 4G/5G and -844 A/G promoter polymorphism with risk of keloid in a Chinese Han population.

PubMed

Wang, Yongjie; Long, Jianhong; Wang, Xiaoyan; Sun, Yang

2014-10-28

A keloid is pathological scar caused by aberrant response to skin injuries, characterized by excessive accumulation of histological extracellular matrix, and occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of keloid. We investigated the association between PAI-1 polymorphisms and plasma PAI-1 level with keloid risk. A total of 242 Chinese keloid patients and 207 controls were enrolled in this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction technique was used to determine PAI-1 promoter polymorphism (-675 4G/5G and -844 A/G) distribution. Plasma PAI-1 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of PAI-1 -675 4G/5G polymorphism between keloid patients and healthy controls. 4G/4G carriers were more likely to develop keloid. In contrast, the -844 A/G polymorphism distribution did not vary significantly between keloid patients and controls. The keloid patients group had a significantly higher plasma PAI-1 level than the control group. In the -675 4G/4G carrier population, the plasma PAI-1 levels were significant higher in keloid patients compared with controls. Our study provides evidence that PAI-1 promoter polymorphism -675 4G/5G and plasma PAI-1 level are associated with keloid risk. PAI-1 -675 4G/5G polymorphism may be an important hereditary factor responsible for keloid development in the Chinese Han population.

The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in Han Chinese patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

PubMed

Chen, Shiou-Lan; Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Chen, Shih-Heng; Chu, Chun-Hsien; Wang, Tzu-Yun; Chen, Po-See; Lee, I-Hui; Yang, Yen-Kuang; Hong, Jau-Shyong; Lu, Ru-Band

2014-06-03

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous systems. BDNF and its gene polymorphism may be important in synaptic plasticity and neuron survival, and may become a key target in the physiopathology of several mental illnesses. To elucidate the role of BDNF, we compared the plasma BDNF levels and the BDNF Val66Met gene variants effect in several mental disorders. We enrolled 644 participants: 177 patients with bipolar I disorder (BP-I), 190 with bipolar II disorder (BP-II), 151 with schizophrenia, and 126 healthy controls. Their plasma BDNF levels and BDNF Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were checked before pharmacological treatment. Plasma levels of BDNF were significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy controls and patients with bipolar disorder (F = 37.667, p<0.001); the distribution of the BDNF Val66Met SNP was not different between groups (χ(2) = 5.289, p = 0.507). Nor were plasma BDNF levels significantly different between Met/Met, Met/Val, and Val/Val carriers in each group, which indicated that the BDNF Val66Met SNP did not influence plasma BDNF levels in our participants. Plasma BDNF levels were, however, significantly negatively correlated with depression scores in patients with bipolar disorder and with negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. We conclude that plasma BDNF profiles in different mental disorders are not affected by BDNF Val66Met gene variants, but by the process and progression of the illness itself. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma folate levels and risk of spontaneous abortion.

PubMed

George, Lena; Mills, James L; Johansson, Anna L V; Nordmark, Anna; Olander, Bodil; Granath, Fredrik; Cnattingius, Sven

2002-10-16

Both folate deficiency and folic acid supplements have been reported to increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The results are inconclusive, however, and measurements of folate have not been available in all studies. To study the association between plasma folate levels and the risk of spontaneous abortion. Population-based, matched, case-control study of case women with spontaneous abortion and control women from January 1996 through December 1998 in Uppsala County, Sweden. Plasma folate measurements were available for 468 cases and 921 controls at 6 to 12 gestational weeks. Risk of spontaneous abortion vs maternal plasma folate level. Compared with women with plasma folate levels between 2.20 and 3.95 ng/mL (5.0 and 8.9 nmol/L), women with low (< or =2.19 ng/mL [< or =4.9 nmol/L]) folate levels were at increased risk of spontaneous abortion (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.14), whereas women with higher folate levels (3.96-6.16 ng/mL [9.0-13.9 nmol/L] and > or =6.17 ng/mL [> or =14.0 nmol/L]) showed no increased risk of spontaneous abortion (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.59-1.20; and OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.47-1.16, respectively). Low folate levels were associated with a significantly increased risk when the fetal karyotype was abnormal (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.09-3.48) but not when the fetal karyotype was normal (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.55-2.24) or unknown (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.90-2.33). Low plasma folate levels were associated with an increased risk of early spontaneous abortion.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor for the Early Prediction of Infarct Size

PubMed Central

Chan, William; White, David A.; Wang, Xin‐Yu; Bai, Ru‐Feng; Liu, Yang; Yu, Hai‐Yi; Zhang, You‐Yi; Fan, Fenling; Schneider, Hans G.; Duffy, Stephen J.; Taylor, Andrew J.; Du, Xiao‐Jun; Gao, Wei; Gao, Xiao‐Ming; Dart, Anthony M.

2013-01-01

Background Early diagnosis and knowledge of infarct size is critical for the management of acute myocardial infarction (MI). We evaluated whether early elevated plasma level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is useful for these purposes in patients with ST‐elevation MI (STEMI). Methods and Results We first studied MIF level in plasma and the myocardium in mice and determined infarct size. MI for 15 or 60 minutes resulted in 2.5‐fold increase over control values in plasma MIF levels while MIF content in the ischemic myocardium reduced by 50% and plasma MIF levels correlated with myocardium‐at‐risk and infarct size at both time‐points (P<0.01). In patients with STEMI, we obtained admission plasma samples and measured MIF, conventional troponins (TnI, TnT), high sensitive TnI (hsTnI), creatine kinase (CK), CK‐MB, and myoglobin. Infarct size was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Patients with chronic stable angina and healthy volunteers were studied as controls. Of 374 STEMI patients, 68% had elevated admission MIF levels above the highest value in healthy controls (>41.6 ng/mL), a proportion similar to hsTnI (75%) and TnI (50%), but greater than other biomarkers studied (20% to 31%, all P<0.05 versus MIF). Only admission MIF levels correlated with CMR‐derived infarct size, ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (n=42, r=0.46 to 0.77, all P<0.01) at 3 day and 3 months post‐MI. Conclusion Plasma MIF levels are elevated in a high proportion of STEMI patients at the first obtainable sample and these levels are predictive of final infarct size and the extent of cardiac remodeling. PMID:24096574

The effects of cannabinoids on serum cortisol and prolactin in humans

PubMed Central

Ranganathan, Mohini; Braley, Gabriel; Pittman, Brian; Cooper, Thomas; Perry, Edward; Krystal, John; D’Souza, Deepak Cyril

2010-01-01

Background Cannabis is one of the most widely used illicit substances, and there is growing interest in the therapeutic applications of cannabinoids. While known to modulate neuroendocrine function, the precise acute and chronic dose-related effects of cannabinoids in humans are not well-known. Furthermore, the existing literature on the neuroendocrine effects of cannabinoids is limited by small sample sizes (n=6–22), heterogeneous samples with regard to cannabis exposure (lumping users and nonusers), lack of controlling for chronic cannabis exposure, differing methodologies, and limited dose–response data. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) was hypothesized to produce dose-related increases in plasma cortisol levels and decreases in plasma prolactin levels. Furthermore, relative to controls, frequent users of cannabis were hypothesized to show altered baseline levels of these hormones and blunted Δ-9-THC-induced changes of these hormones. Materials and methods Pooled data from a series of laboratory studies with multiple doses of intravenous Δ-9-THC in healthy control subjects (n=36) and frequent users of cannabis (n=40) was examined to characterize the acute, chronic, and acute on chronic effects of cannabinoids on plasma cortisol and prolactin levels. Hormone levels were measured before (baseline) and 70 min after administration of each dose of Δ-9-THC. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with +70 min hormonal levels as the dependant variable and baseline hormonal level as the covariate. Results At socially relevant doses, Δ-9-THC raised plasma cortisol levels in a dose-dependent manner but frequent users showed blunted increases relative to healthy controls. Frequent users also had lower baseline plasma prolactin levels relative to healthy controls. Conclusions These group differences may be related to the development of tolerance to the neuroendocrine effects of cannabinoids. Alternatively, these results may reflect inherent differences in neuroendocrine function in frequent users of cannabis and not a consequence of cannabis use. PMID:19083209

Quantitative plasma biomarker analysis in HDI exposure assessment.

PubMed

Flack, Sheila L; Fent, Kenneth W; Trelles Gaines, Linda G; Thomasen, Jennifer M; Whittaker, Steve; Ball, Louise M; Nylander-French, Leena A

2010-01-01

Quantification of amines in biological samples is important for evaluating occupational exposure to diisocyanates. In this study, we describe the quantification of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) levels in hydrolyzed plasma of 46 spray painters applying 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-containing paint in vehicle repair shops collected during repeated visits to their workplace and their relationship with dermal and inhalation exposure to HDI monomer. HDA was detected in 76% of plasma samples, as heptafluorobutyryl derivatives, and the range of HDA concentrations was < or =0.02-0.92 microg l(-1). After log-transformation of the data, the correlation between plasma HDA levels and HDI inhalation exposure measured on the same workday was low (N = 108, r = 0.22, P = 0.026) compared with the correlation between plasma HDA levels and inhalation exposure occurring approximately 20 to 60 days before blood collection (N = 29, r = 0.57, P = 0.0014). The correlation between plasma HDA levels and HDI dermal exposure measured on the same workday, although statistically significant, was low (N = 108, r = 0.22, P = 0.040) while the correlation between HDA and dermal exposure occurring approximately 20 to 60 days before blood collection was slightly improved (N = 29, r = 0.36, P = 0.053). We evaluated various workplace factors and controls (i.e. location, personal protective equipment use and paint booth type) as modifiers of plasma HDA levels. Workers using a downdraft-ventilated booth had significantly lower plasma HDA levels relative to semi-downdraft and crossdraft booth types (P = 0.0108); this trend was comparable to HDI inhalation and dermal exposure levels stratified by booth type. These findings indicate that HDA concentration in hydrolyzed plasma may be used as a biomarker of cumulative inhalation and dermal exposure to HDI and for investigating the effectiveness of exposure controls in the workplace.

Tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenine metabolites: Relationship to lifetime aggression and inflammatory markers in human subjects

PubMed Central

Coccaro, Emil F.; Lee, Royce; Fanning, Jennifer R.; Fuchs, Dietmar; Goiny, Michel; Erhardt, Sophie; Christensen, Kyle; Brundin, Lena; Coussons-Read, Mary

2017-01-01

Inflammatory proteins are thought to be causally involved in the generation of aggression, possibly due to direct effects of cytokines in the central nervous system and/or by generation of inflammatory metabolites along the tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP/KYN) pathway, including KYN and its active metabolites kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid (QA), and picolinic acid (PA). We examined plasma levels of TRP, KYN, KA, QA, and PA in 172 medication-free, medically healthy, human subjects to determine if plasma levels of these substances are altered as a function of trait aggression, and if they correlate with current plasma levels of inflammatory markers. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble interleukin-1 receptor-II (sIL-1RII) protein were also available in these subjects. We found normal levels of TRP but reduced plasma levels of KYN (by 48%), QA (by 6%), and a QA/KA (by 5%) ratio in subjects with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) compared to healthy controls and psychiatric controls. Moreover, the metabolites were not associated with any of the inflammatory markers studied. These data do not support the hypothesis that elevated levels of KYN metabolites would be present in plasma of subjects with IED, and associated with plasma inflammation. However, our data do point to a dysregulation of the KYN pathway metabolites in these subjects. Further work will be necessary to replicate these findings and to understand their role in inflammation and aggression in these subjects. PMID:27318828

Plasma Oxytocin Immunoreactive Products and Response to Trust in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder

PubMed Central

Hoge, EA; Lawson, EA; Metcalf, CA; Keshaviah, A; Zak, PJ; Pollack, MH; Simon, NM

2013-01-01

Background Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (GSAD) is characterized by excessive fear and avoidance of several types of social and performance situations. The pathophysiology is not well understood, but research in animals and humans has provided evidence that oxytocin helps regulate normal social affiliative behavior. Previous work in healthy male subjects demonstrated a rise in plasma oxytocin after receiving a high trust signal. To examine the oxytocin system in GSAD, we measured plasma oxytocin in GSAD patients and controls, before and after the social “Trust Game,” a neuroeconomic test examining trust behavior and reaction to trust using real monetary incentives. Methods Thirty-nine subjects with GSAD and 28 healthy controls provided three blood samples for oxytocin measurement before the Trust Game, and one sample after the game. Plasma estradiol was also measured at baseline. The Trust Game protocol version prioritized the sending of a signal of high cooperation and trust to all participants. All analyses controlled for gender and estradiol levels. Results Mean oxytocin levels post-Trust Game (p=0.025), and overall (area under the curve, p=0.011) were lower in GSAD patients compared to controls, after controlling for sex and estradiol. There was no significant change in oxytocin levels after the Game in either group. Conclusions We report low plasma oxytocin levels in patients with generalized social anxiety disorder during a pro-social laboratory task paradigm. Additional research will be important to further examine the relationship between oxytocin and social behavior in GSAD. PMID:22807189

Plasma oxytocin immunoreactive products and response to trust in patients with social anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Hoge, Elizabeth A; Lawson, Elizabeth A; Metcalf, Christina A; Keshaviah, Aparna; Zak, Paul J; Pollack, Mark H; Simon, Naomi M

2012-11-01

Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (GSAD) is characterized by excessive fear and avoidance of several types of social and performance situations. The pathophysiology is not well understood, but research in animals and humans has provided evidence that oxytocin helps regulate normal social affiliative behavior. Previous work in healthy male subjects demonstrated a rise in plasma oxytocin after receiving a high trust signal. To examine the oxytocin system in GSAD, we measured plasma oxytocin in GSAD patients and controls, before and after the social "Trust Game," a neuroeconomic test examining trust behavior and reaction to trust using real monetary incentives. Thirty-nine subjects with GSAD and 28 healthy controls provided three blood samples for oxytocin measurement before the Trust Game, and one sample after the game. Plasma estradiol was also measured at baseline. The Trust Game protocol version prioritized the sending of a signal of high cooperation and trust to all participants. All analyses controlled for gender and estradiol levels. Mean oxytocin levels post-Trust Game (P = .025), and overall (area under the curve, P = .011) were lower in GSADpatients compared to controls, after controlling for sex and estradiol. There was no significant change in oxytocin levels after the game in either group. We report low plasma oxytocin levels in patients with GSAD during a prosocial laboratory task paradigm. Additional research will be important to further examine the relationship between oxytocin and social behavior in GSAD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Maternal and fetal alternative complement pathway activation in early severe preeclampsia.

PubMed

Hoffman, M Camille; Rumer, Kristen K; Kramer, Anita; Lynch, Anne M; Winn, Virginia D

2014-01-01

We sought to determine whether alternative complement activation fragment Bb (Bb) levels are elevated in the maternal, fetal, and placental blood in cases of severe preeclampsia (PE) compared with normotensive controls. This was a cross-sectional study of women admitted at ≥24 weeks gestation with or without severe PE. Maternal plasma was collected at the time of enrollment. Umbilical venous cord and intervillous space blood were collected at delivery. Plasma Bb levels were assessed using ELISA. Bb levels were compared between cases and controls. Median Bb levels were higher in the maternal plasma of severe PE subjects (n = 24) than in controls (n = 20), 1.45 ± 1.03 versus 0.65 ± 0.23 μg/mL, P < 0.001. In umbilical venous plasma, Bb levels were higher in severe PE subjects (n = 15) compared with controls (n = 15), 2.48 ± 1.40 versus 1.01 ± 0.57 μg/mL, P = 0.01. Activation fragment Bb is increased in the maternal and umbilical venous blood of cases of severe PE when compared with normotensive controls. These data provide support for alternative complement pathway involvement in the pathogenesis of severe PE and demonstrate that alternative complement activation occurs not only in the maternal but also in the fetal compartment. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The effects of NAMPT haplotypes and metabolic risk factors on circulating visfatin/NAMPT levels in childhood obesity.

PubMed

Belo, V A; Luizon, M R; Lacchini, R; Miranda, J A; Lanna, C M M; Souza-Costa, D C; Tanus-Santos, J E

2015-01-01

Polymorphisms in the NAMPT gene, which encodes the adipocytokine visfatin/nicotinamide phosphorybosil transferase (NAMPT), affect the circulating visfatin/NAMPT levels and are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. However, no study has tested the hypothesis that NAMPT haplotypes could affect visfatin/NAMPT levels in case of childhood obesity. We investigated the effects of traditional metabolic risk factors (MRFs) and NAMPT polymorphisms T/C (rs1319501) and A/G (rs3801266) or haplotypes on visfatin/NAMPT levels in obese children and adolescents, and whether NAMPT polymorphisms and/or haplotypes are associated with susceptibility to childhood obesity. We studied 175 control, 99 obese and 82 obese with ⩾ 3 MRFs children and adolescents. Genotypes were determined by a Taqman allele discrimination assay and real-time PCR. The plasma visfatin/NAMPT level was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Obese children and adolescents with ⩾ 3 MRFs had higher plasma visfatin/NAMPT levels in comparison with control children and adolescents (P<0.05). Although positive associations were observed between visfatin/NAMPT and body mass index (rs = 0.157; P = 0.034) as well as visfatin/NAMPT and waist circumference (rs = 0.192; P = 0.011), visfatin/NAMPT and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were inversely associated (rs = -0.162; P = 0.031). No significant differences in genotype, allele or haplotype frequency distributions for the studied polymorphisms were found when the three groups were compared. However, higher plasma visfatin/NAMPT levels were found in control and obese subjects carrying the GG genotype for the A/G (rs3801266) polymorphism (P<0.05) but not in obese children with ⩾ 3 MRFs. Moreover, control subjects carrying the 'T-G' haplotype showed higher plasma visfatin/NAMPT levels. NAMPT genotypes or haplotypes were not associated with childhood obesity. Obesity in children with ⩾ 3 MRFs increases plasma visfatin/NAMPT levels, and this marker was associated with body mass index and waist circumference. The A/G polymorphism and NAMPT haplotypes affect plasma visfatin/NAMPT levels in controls but not in obese children with ⩾ 3 MRFs. These results suggest that obesity and MRFs are more influential than genetic polymorphisms in the determination of visfatin/NAMPT levels in obese children. Further research is necessary to explain why the GG genotype is not associated with increased visfatin/NAMPT levels in obese children with ⩾ 3 MRFs.

Effect of aspirin desensitization on T-cell cytokines and plasma lipoxins in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

PubMed

Aksu, Kurtuluş; Kurt, Emel; Alatas, Özkan; Gülbas, Zafer

2014-01-01

The pathogenesis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is thought to be based on, mainly, overproduction of eicosanoid lipid mediators and on defective anti-inflammatory regulators. Aspirin desensitization treatment, the mainstay of controlling asthma and rhinitis in AERD patients, however, is the least understood aspect of the disease. The study was designed to determine the effect of aspirin desensitization on T-lymphocyte cytokine expression and on plasma lipoxin levels in AERD. Spirometry, skin-prick test and asthma control test were documented and intracellular cytokine expression in T lymphocytes and plasma lipoxin levels were measured in 23 AERD patients, 17 aspirin-tolerant asthmatic (ATA) patients, and 16 healthy controls. In the AERD group nasal symptom and smell scores were assessed. Of the 23 AERD patients 15 accepted to undergo aspirin desensitization protocol and 14 of them were desensitized successfully. In the desensitized AERD group, cytokine and lipoxin measurements were repeated after 1-month aspirin treatment. CD4(+) IL-10 levels were higher in AERD patients than in healthy controls and CD4(+) interferon (IFN) gamma levels were higher in AERD and ATA patients than in controls. Plasma lipoxin-A4 and 15-epi-lipoxin-A4 levels were similar among the three study groups. In the AERD group, subjects underwent aspirin desensitization followed by a 1-month aspirin treatment. Clinical parameters improved and CD4(+) IFN-gamma levels decreased significantly. No significant change in lipoxin levels was recorded. CD4(+) IFN-gamma and CD4(+) IL-10 levels in AERD patients after 1-month aspirin desensitization treatment were similar to the healthy controls. The study confirms aspirin desensitization is effective clinically in AERD patients and suggests that IFN gamma and IL-10 expression in CD4(+) T lymphocytes may be related to the mechanism of action.

Role of oxidative stress enzymes in open-angle glaucoma.

PubMed

Yildirim, O; Ateş, N A; Ercan, B; Muşlu, N; Unlü, A; Tamer, L; Atik, U; Kanik, A

2005-05-01

To investigate the role of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), and the levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 40 (15 men and 25 women) patients with POAG and 60 (30 men and 30 women) healthy controls. There was no significant difference in the activities of CAT and MPO between the POAG patients and the controls. However, the plasma MDA level was significantly higher in patients than the controls. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the possible alterations of plasma MDA levels may be associated with the pathogenesis of POAG, but further research is needed to understand the role of oxidative damage in this important disorder of aging.

Plasma leptin values in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

PubMed

Kocyigit, Hikmet; Bal, Serpil; Atay, Ayşenur; Koseoglu, Mehmet; Gurgan, Alev

2013-08-01

Obesity has a protective effect against osteoporosis and this effect has been attributed to a high body fat content. It has been shown that the leptin concentration is higher in obese patients. Leptin, the protein product of obesity gene, is a hormone produced in adipose tissue. Some studies suggest that endogenous leptin might influence bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. In this study, we investigated plasma leptin concentrations in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and also analyzed the relationship between plasma leptin levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in order to understand the potential role of leptin in maintaining bone mass. Forty-two postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and thirty seven age and BMI-matched healthy postmenopausal women were included in the study. The mean femoral neck BMD value in the patient group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.691±0.1 g/cm2 and 0.863±0.1 g/cm2, respectively; p<0.001). The mean plasma leptin concentration in the patient group was not significantly different from that in the control group (p>0.05). Plasma leptin levels were correlated with BMI in both groups (p<0.001 in the patient group and p=0.001 in controls). There was also a strong positive correlation between plasma leptin levels and %fat in both groups (p<0.001 in the patient group and p<0.001 in controls). But there was no correlation between plasma leptin levels and femoral neck BMD values in both groups. Our results do not support the hypothesis that leptin itself plays an important role in maintaining bone mass in postmenopausal women.

Seminal Plasma HIV-1 RNA Concentration Is Strongly Associated with Altered Levels of Seminal Plasma Interferon-γ, Interleukin-17, and Interleukin-5

PubMed Central

Hoffman, Jennifer C.; Anton, Peter A.; Baldwin, Gayle Cocita; Elliott, Julie; Anisman-Posner, Deborah; Tanner, Karen; Grogan, Tristan; Elashoff, David; Sugar, Catherine; Yang, Otto O.

2014-01-01

Abstract Seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA level is an important determinant of the risk of HIV-1 sexual transmission. We investigated potential associations between seminal plasma cytokine levels and viral concentration in the seminal plasma of HIV-1-infected men. This was a prospective, observational study of paired blood and semen samples from 18 HIV-1 chronically infected men off antiretroviral therapy. HIV-1 RNA levels and cytokine levels in seminal plasma and blood plasma were measured and analyzed using simple linear regressions to screen for associations between cytokines and seminal plasma HIV-1 levels. Forward stepwise regression was performed to construct the final multivariate model. The median HIV-1 RNA concentrations were 4.42 log10 copies/ml (IQR 2.98, 4.70) and 2.96 log10 copies/ml (IQR 2, 4.18) in blood and seminal plasma, respectively. In stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis, blood HIV-1 RNA level (p<0.0001) was most strongly associated with seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA level. After controlling for blood HIV-1 RNA level, seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA level was positively associated with interferon (IFN)-γ (p=0.03) and interleukin (IL)-17 (p=0.03) and negatively associated with IL-5 (p=0.0007) in seminal plasma. In addition to blood HIV-1 RNA level, cytokine profiles in the male genital tract are associated with HIV-1 RNA levels in semen. The Th1 and Th17 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17 are associated with increased seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA, while the Th2 cytokine IL-5 is associated with decreased seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA. These results support the importance of genital tract immunomodulation in HIV-1 transmission. PMID:25209674

Elevation of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels, but not angiopoietin 2, in the plasma of human immunodeficiency virus-infected African women with clinical Kaposi sarcoma.

PubMed

Graham, Susan M; Rajwans, Nimerta; Richardson, Barbra A; Jaoko, Walter; McClelland, R Scott; Overbaugh, Julie; Liles, W Conrad

2014-10-01

Circulating levels of endothelial activation biomarkers are elevated in during infection with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and may also be increased in Kaposi sarcoma (KS). We compared 23 HIV-1-seropositive women with clinically diagnosed KS with 46 randomly selected controls matched for visit year, CD4 count, and antiretroviral therapy status. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify differences between cases and controls. The odds of clinical KS increased with increasing plasma viral load and with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels above or equal to the median. There was a borderline association between increasing plasma angiopoietin 2 levels and KS. In multivariable modeling including plasma viral load, angiopoietin 2, and ICAM-1, plasma ICAM-1 levels above or equal to the median remained associated with clinical KS (odds ratio = 14.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.3-87.7). Circulating ICAM-1 levels should be evaluated as a potential biomarker for disease progression and treatment response among HIV-infected KS patients. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

The association of oxidant-antioxidant status in patients with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Aziz, Manal A; Majeed, Ghanim H; Diab, Kareem S; Al-Tamimi, Raid J

2016-01-01

Oxidative stress has been linked to disease progression, including chronic renal failure (CRF). The aim of the present study was to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) as a sign of lipid peroxidation, and to investigate the association between antioxidant activities and three trace elements, in 49 patients with CRF. The erythrocyte and plasma trace elements [selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] and antioxidant defense levels were determined: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), vitamins E and C. The obtained values were compared with 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. There were significantly lower mean values of plasma Se, GPx, vitamins E and C, erythrocyte Se, SOD and CAT levels in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Plasma MDA showed a significant increase in all CRF patients in comparison with controls. No significant difference was found in plasma Cu, Zn, and erythrocyte GPx, Cu and Zn levels between patient and control groups. These findings indicate oxidative stress is present in patients of CRF, and may serve to establish a simple protocol for evaluation of renal function.

Vasopressin compared with norepinephrine augments the decline of plasma cytokine levels in septic shock.

PubMed

Russell, James A; Fjell, Chris; Hsu, Joseph L; Lee, Terry; Boyd, John; Thair, Simone; Singer, Joel; Patterson, Andrew J; Walley, Keith R

2013-08-01

Changes in plasma cytokine levels may predict mortality, and therapies (vasopressin versus norepinephrine) could change plasma cytokine levels in early septic shock. Our hypotheses were that changes in plasma cytokine levels over 24 hours differ between survivors and nonsurvivors, and that there are different effects of vasopressin and norepinephrine on plasma cytokine levels in septic shock. We studied 394 patients in a randomized, controlled trial of vasopressin versus norepinephrine in septic shock. We used hierarchical clustering and principal components analysis of the baseline cytokine concentrations to subgroup cytokines; we then compared survivors to nonsurvivors (28 d) and compared vasopressin- versus norepinephrine-induced changes in cytokine levels over 24 hours. A total of 39 plasma cytokines were measured at baseline and at 24 hours. Hierarchical clustering and principal components analysis grouped cytokines similarly. Survivors (versus nonsurvivors) had greater decreases of overall cytokine levels (P < 0.001). Vasopressin decreased overall 24-hour cytokine concentration compared with norepinephrine (P = 0.037). In less severe septic shock, the difference in plasma cytokine reduction over 24 hours between survivors and nonsurvivors was less pronounced than that seen in more severe septic shock. Furthermore, vasopressin decreased interferon-inducible protein 10 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor more than did norepinephrine in less severe septic shock, whereas vasopressin decreased granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients who had more severe shock. Survivors of septic shock had greater decreases of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in early septic shock. Vasopressin decreased 24-hour plasma cytokine levels more than did norepinephrine. The vasopressin-associated decrease of cytokines differed according to severity of shock. Clinical trial registered with www.controlled-trials.com (ISRCTN94845869).

PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and plasma levels association in patients with coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Lima, Luciana Moreira; Carvalho, Maria das Graças; Fonseca Neto, Cirilo Pereira; Garcia, José Carlos Faria; Sousa, Marinez Oliveira

2011-12-01

Type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism may influence the PAI-1 expression. High plasma levels of PAI-1 are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigated the influence of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism on plasma PAI-1 levels and its association with CAD assessed by coronary angiography. Blood sample of 35 individuals with angiographically normal coronary arteries, 31 individuals presenting mild/moderate atheromatosis, 57 individuals presenting severe atheromatosis and 38 healthy individuals (controls) were evaluated. In patients and controls, the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism was determined by PCR amplification using allele-specific primers. Plasma PAI-1 levels were quantified by ELISA assay (American Diagnostica). No difference was found between groups regarding age, gender and body mass index. Plasma PAI-1 levels and 4G/4G genotype frequency were significantly higher in the severe atheromatosis group compared to the other groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, patients with 4G/4G genotype (r=0.28, p<0.001) had significantly higher plasma PAI-1 levels than those with 5G/5G genotype (r=0.02, p=0.4511). In addition, in a multiple logistic regression model, adjusted for all the other variables, PAI-1 was observed to be independently associated with CAD > 70% (p<0.001). The most important finding of this study was the association between 4G/4G genotype, high plasma PAI-1 levels and coronary stenosis higher than 70% in Brazilian individuals. Whether high plasma PAI-1 levels are a decisive factor for atherosclerosis worsening or it is a consequence remains to be established.

The effects of celery leaf (apium graveolens L.) treatment on blood glucose and insulin levels in elderly pre-diabetics

PubMed Central

Yusni, Yusni; Zufry, Hendra; Meutia, Firdalena; Sucipto, Krishna W.

2018-01-01

Objectives: To analyze the effect of celery leaf extract on blood glucose and plasma insulin levels in elderly pre-diabetics. Methods: This study was conducted between March and November 2014 at the Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest with a control group was conducted with elderly pre-diabetic volunteers. The subjects included 16 elderly pre-diabetics older than 60 (6 males and 10 females). The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group (placebo-treated) and a treatment group (celery-treated). The treatment consisted of celery leaf extract capsules at the dose of 250 mg, 3 times per day (morning, afternoon and evening), 30 minutes before a meal, for 12 days. Data analysis was performed using the t-test (p<0.05). Results: There was a significant decrease in pre-prandial plasma glucose levels (p=0.01) and post-prandial plasma glucose levels (p=0.00), but no significant increase in plasma insulin levels (p=0.15) after celery leaf treatment in elderly pre-diabetics. Conclusion: Celery was effective at reducing blood glucose levels, but there was a lack of association between blood glucose levels and plasma insulin levels in elderly pre-diabetics. PMID:29436564

Exposure to increased levels of estradiol during development can have long-term effects on the response to undernutrition in female rats.

PubMed

Carrillo, B; Collado, P; Díaz, F; Chowen, J A; Pinos, H

2016-11-01

Undernutrition during development alters the expression of peptides that control energy expenditure and feeding behavior. Estrogens can also modulate these peptides. Here, we analyze whether the early postnatal administration of estradiol modulates the effects of undernutrition on neuroendocrine parameters in adult female Wistar rats. Control rats were fed a control diet. Undernourished pups were submitted to a restricted diet with half of the undernourished rats receiving 0.4 mg/kg s.c. of estradiol benzoate (EB) from postnatal day (P) 6 until P13. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine expression in the hypothalamus of agouti-related peptide (AgRP), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript. Plasma estradiol, testosterone, and adiponectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total and acylated ghrelin levels were measured in plasma by radioimmunoassay. Insulin and leptin were measured by mulitplex immunoassays. Undernourishment decreased body weight, fat mass, plasma leptin and insulin levels, and hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels. An increase in orexigenic signals AgRP and NPY mRNA levels, and in plasma adiponectin levels were found in undernourished animals. Early postnatal treatment with EB to undernourished female rats reversed the effects of undernutrition on adult hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels. In addition, neonatal EB treatment to undernourished females significantly decreased adult plasma testosterone, estradiol, and acylated ghrelin levels. Our results suggest that increased estradiol during a critical period of development has the capacity to modulate the alterations that undernutrition produces on energy metabolism.

Effect of urinary pH and nicotine excretion rate on plasma nicotine during cigarette smoking and chewing nicotine gum

PubMed Central

Feyerabend, C.; Russell, M. A. H.

1978-01-01

1 Plasma nicotine levels produced by chewing nicotine gum were compared with those obtained by cigarette smoking under conditions of controlled urinary pH. 2 Although absorption was slower, plasma levels comparable to cigarette smoking were built up on 4 mg (but not 2 mg) nicotine gum. 3 Urinary excretion of nicotine was influenced markedly by pH and the rate of urine flow. 4 Plasma nicotine was higher under alkaline compared to acidic conditions (P < 0.001) but the rate of urinary nicotine excretion appeared to have little effect on the plasma level.

β-actin as a loading control for plasma-based Western blot analysis of major depressive disorder patients.

PubMed

Zhang, Rufang; Yang, Deyu; Zhou, Chanjuan; Cheng, Ke; Liu, Zhao; Chen, Liang; Fang, Liang; Xie, Peng

2012-08-15

Western blot analysis is a commonly used technique for determining specific protein levels in clinical samples. For normalization of protein levels in Western blot, a suitable loading control is required. On account of its relatively high and constant expression, β-actin has been widely employed in Western blot of cell cultures and tissue extracts. However, β-actin's presence in human plasma and this protein's putative role as a plasma-based loading control for Western blot analysis remain unknown. In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentration of β-actin in human plasma, which is 6.29±0.54 ng/ml. In addition, the linearity of β-actin immunostaining and loaded protein amount was evaluated by Western blot, and a fine linearity (R²=0.974±0.012) was observed. Furthermore, the expression of plasma β-actin in major depressive disorder subjects and healthy controls was compared. The data revealed no statistically significant difference between these two groups. Moreover, the total coefficient of variation for β-actin expression in the two groups was 9.2±1.2%. These findings demonstrate that β-actin is present in human plasma and may possibly be used as a suitable loading control for plasma-based Western blot analysis in major depressive disorder. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Positive association between KCNJ5 rs2604204 (A/C) polymorphism and plasma aldosterone levels, but also plasma renin and angiotensin I and II levels, in newly diagnosed hypertensive Chinese: a case-control study.

PubMed

Wang, H; Weng, C; Chen, H

2017-07-01

Variants in G protein-coupled inward rectifier K + channels 4 (GIRK4 also known as KCNJ5) gene are associated with primary aldosteronism, which is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. The KCNJ5 rs2604204 variant was shown to be common (minor allele frequency=32.5%) in Chinese patients with essential hypertension (EH). The relationship between KCNJ5 variant and plasma aldosterone (ALD) levels in EH patients has not been reported. We collected 229 patients with newly diagnosed EH without any antihypertensive agents. According to the median standing plasma ALD, high-ALD and control groups were divided. Clinical data and blood samples were collected. KCNJ5 rs2604204 genotype was determined by PCR. The results showed that the levels of triglyceride, uric acid, insulin, insulin resistance (IR) index, renin, angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), cortisol, 24 h mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and daytime mean SBP were significantly increased in the high-ALD group than those in the control group, as well as 24 h s.d. of SBP and diastolic BP (DBP), and 24 h coefficient of variance of SBP and DBP. Notably, the distribution frequency of AC and CC genotypes, and the C allele of KCNJ5 were also significantly higher in the high-ALD group. Logistic regression analysis showed that the C allele of KCNJ5 rs2604204 was one risk factor for increased plasma ALD in Chinese EH patients (P=0.008, odds ratio=2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.2-4.1)). Our findings indicated that the variation of plasma ALD might be associated with increased IR and BP variability. Moreover, KCNJ5 rs2604204 polymorphism was related to increased plasma ALD level, but also plasma renin, Ang I and II levels in newly diagnosed, never-treated EH patients.

Higher Plasma Myostatin Levels in Cor Pulmonale Secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Ju, Chun-Rong; Chen, Miao; Zhang, Jian-Heng; Lin, Zhi-Ya; Chen, Rong-Chang

2016-01-01

To analyze plasma myostatin levels and investigate their relationship with right ventricular (RV) function in patients with cor pulmonale secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study recruited 81 patients with advanced COPD and 40 age-matched controls. The patients were divided into two groups: those with cor pulmonale and those without. Echocardiography was used to evaluate RV function and morphology, and the value of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) less than 16 mm was considered RV dysfunction. Plasma myostatin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were analyzed as a comparison of myostatin. The data detected cor pulmonale in 39/81 patients, with the mean value of TAPSE of 14.3 mm. Plasma myostatin levels (ng/mL) were significantly higher in patients with cor pulmonale (16.68 ± 2.95) than in those without (13.56 ± 3.09), and much higher than in controls (8.79±2.79), with each p<0.01. Significant differences were also found in plasma BNP levels among the three groups (p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that myostatin levels were significantly correlated with the values of TAPSE and RV myocardium performance index among the COPD patients, and that BNP levels were significantly correlated only with systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, with each p<0.05. Plasma myostatin levels are increased in COPD patients who have cor pulmonale. Stronger correlations of plasma myostatin levels with echocardiographic indexes of the right heart suggest that myostatin might be superior to BNP in the early diagnosis of cor pulmonale in COPD.

Higher Plasma Myostatin Levels in Cor Pulmonale Secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

PubMed Central

Ju, Chun-rong; Chen, Miao; Zhang, Jian-heng; Lin, Zhi-ya; Chen, Rong-chang

2016-01-01

Objective To analyze plasma myostatin levels and investigate their relationship with right ventricular (RV) function in patients with cor pulmonale secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods The study recruited 81 patients with advanced COPD and 40 age-matched controls. The patients were divided into two groups: those with cor pulmonale and those without. Echocardiography was used to evaluate RV function and morphology, and the value of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) less than 16 mm was considered RV dysfunction. Plasma myostatin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were analyzed as a comparison of myostatin. Results The data detected cor pulmonale in 39/81 patients, with the mean value of TAPSE of 14.3 mm. Plasma myostatin levels (ng/mL) were significantly higher in patients with cor pulmonale (16.68 ± 2.95) than in those without (13.56 ± 3.09), and much higher than in controls (8.79±2.79), with each p<0.01. Significant differences were also found in plasma BNP levels among the three groups (p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that myostatin levels were significantly correlated with the values of TAPSE and RV myocardium performance index among the COPD patients, and that BNP levels were significantly correlated only with systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, with each p<0.05. Conclusions Plasma myostatin levels are increased in COPD patients who have cor pulmonale. Stronger correlations of plasma myostatin levels with echocardiographic indexes of the right heart suggest that myostatin might be superior to BNP in the early diagnosis of cor pulmonale in COPD. PMID:26998756

VEGF-121 plasma level as biomarker for response to anti-angiogenetic therapy in recurrent glioblastoma.

PubMed

Martini, Maurizio; de Pascalis, Ivana; D'Alessandris, Quintino Giorgio; Fiorentino, Vincenzo; Pierconti, Francesco; Marei, Hany El-Sayed; Ricci-Vitiani, Lucia; Pallini, Roberto; Larocca, Luigi Maria

2018-05-10

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms, particularly the diffusible VEGF-121, could play a major role in the response of recurrent glioblastoma (GB) to anti-angiogenetic treatment with bevacizumab. We hypothesized that circulating VEGF-121 may reduce the amount of bevacizumab available to target the heavier isoforms of VEGF, which are the most clinically relevant. We assessed the plasma level of VEGF-121 in a brain xenograft model, in human healthy controls, and in patients suffering from recurrent GB before and after bevacizumab treatment. Data were matched with patients' clinical outcome. In athymic rats with U87MG brain xenografts, the level of plasma VEGF-121 relates with tumor volume and it significantly decreases after iv infusion of bevacizumab. Patients with recurrent GB show higher plasma VEGF-121 than healthy controls (p = 0.0002) and treatment with bevacizumab remarkably reduced the expression of VEGF-121 in plasma of these patients (p = 0.0002). Higher plasma level of VEGF-121 was significantly associated to worse PFS and OS (p = 0.0295 and p = 0.0246, respectively). Quantitative analysis of VEGF-121 isoform in the plasma of patients with recurrent GB could be a promising predictor of response to anti-angiogenetic treatment.

Plasma concentration of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is elevated in type 2 diabetic patients, and sICAM-1 synthesis is associated with leptin-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

PubMed

Cha, Jin Joo; Hyun, Young Youl; Jee, Yi Hwa; Lee, Mi Jin; Han, Kum Hyun; Kang, Young Sun; Han, Sang Youb; Cha, Dae Ryong

2013-08-01

The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and leptin are important inflammatory biomarkers. We investigated whether plasma-soluble ICAM-1 levels were related to the diabetic nephropathy and systemic inflammation. One hundred forty-seven type 2 diabetic patients and 46 healthy control subjects were studied. Plasma sICAM-1 concentrations were significantly higher in the diabetic groups than controls and increased significantly as diabetic nephropathy advanced. Plasma sICAM-1 levels were positively correlated with body mass index, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, urinary albumin excretion, and negatively correlated with creatinine clearance. Multiple regression analysis showed that plasma leptin levels were associated with a significant increase in plasma sICAM-1 levels. In cultured HUVECs, leptin increased ICAM-1 production in a dose-dependent manner, and this stimulating effect of leptin on ICAM-1 expression was reversed by MEK inhibitor, PD98059. Overall, these findings suggest that activation of leptin synthesis in a diabetic environment promotes ICAM-1 activation via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in type 2 diabetic patients.

Identification of vinculin as a potential plasma marker for age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Kim, Hye-Jung; Woo, Se Joon; Suh, Eui Jin; Ahn, Jeeyun; Park, Ji Hyun; Hong, Hye Kyoung; Lee, Ji Eun; Ahn, Seong Joon; Hwang, Duck Jin; Kim, Ki Woong; Park, Kyu Hyung; Lee, Cheolju

2014-10-08

To identify plasma protein biomarkers for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using a large-scale quantitative proteomic discovery procedure. Plasma proteomes from 20 exudative AMD patients and 20 healthy control patients were comparatively profiled by four-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Proteins existing at statistically different levels were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting in 233 case-controlled samples. Newly discovered plasma biomarkers were further confirmed using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Out of 320 proteins identified, vinculin, protein S100A9, triosephosphate isomerase, protein S100A8, protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor, C-X-C motif chemokine 7, and tenascin X showed significantly differential expression in AMD patient plasma compared to control plasma. Among these, the area under the curve (AUC) for vinculin was 0.871 for discriminating between exudative AMD and controls (n = 201) and 0.879 for discriminating between AMD and controls (n = 233). A proteogenomic combination model using vinculin and two known risk genotypes in ARMS2 and CFH genes additionally provided excellent discrimination of AMD from controls (AUC = 0.916). The plasma level of vinculin was not associated with any confounding clinical variables, such as age, smoking, and other comorbidities. Additionally, vinculin was strongly expressed in retinal pigment epithelial cells of human eyes, and its expression was elevated when exposed to oxidative stress in vitro. Vinculin was identified as a potential plasma biomarker for AMD. The early detection of AMD using novel plasma biomarkers with genetic modeling may enable timely treatment and vision preservation in the elderly. Copyright 2014 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

Inverse association of plasma vanadium levels with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Wang, Xia; Sun, Taoping; Liu, Jun; Shan, Zhilei; Jin, Yilin; Chen, Sijing; Bao, Wei; Hu, Frank B; Liu, Liegang

2014-08-15

Vanadium compounds have been proposed to have beneficial effects on the pathogenesis and complications of type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to evaluate the association between plasma vanadium levels and type 2 diabetes. We performed a case-control study involving 1,598 Chinese subjects with or without newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (December 2004-December 2007). Cases and controls were frequency-matched by age and sex. Plasma vanadium concentrations were measured and compared between groups. Analyses showed that plasma vanadium concentrations were significantly lower in cases with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes than in controls (P = 0.001). Mean plasma vanadium levels in participants with and without diabetes were 1.0 μg/L and 1.2 μg/L, respectively. Participants in the highest quartile of plasma vanadium concentration had a notably lower risk of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (odds ratio = 0.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.19, 0.35; P < 0.001), compared with persons in the lowest quartile. The trend remained significant after adjustment for known risk factors and in further stratification analyses. Our results suggested that plasma vanadium concentrations were inversely associated with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in this Chinese population. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Association of plasma endotoxin, inflammatory cytokines and risk of colorectal adenomas

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Recent studies suggest that bacterial endotoxins may be associated with various chronic diseases, including colorectal adenomas and cancer. Given the evidence linking inflammation and colorectal cancer, we sought to determine if plasma endotoxin concentrations are associated with indicators of systemic or local inflammation and colorectal adenomas. Methods This cross-sectional study consisted of participants who underwent screening colonoscopies and included adenoma cases (n=138) and non-adenoma controls (n=324). Plasma concentrations of endotoxin were measured with Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. We quantified concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in plasma by ELISA and mRNA expression levels in rectal mucosal biopsies by quantitative RT-PCR. Interleukin-17 was evaluated only in the rectal mucosa. Results Compared to subjects with low plasma endotoxin concentrations, those with higher concentrations were more likely to have adenomas (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.1). Among subjects with adenomas, those with villous histology were more likely to have higher endotoxin concentrations (5.4 vs. 4.1EU/mL, p=0.05) and lower plasma IFN-γ (0 vs. 1.64 pg/mL, p=0.02) compared to those with only tubular adenomas. Cases showed a trend of having higher plasma TNF-α levels than controls (p=0.06), but none of the other plasma or rectal mucosal cytokine levels differed between cases and controls. Elevated mucosal IL-12 levels were associated with having multiple adenomas (p=0.04). Higher concentrations of plasma endotoxin predicted increased plasma IL-12 levels (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2) and rectal mucosal IL-12 (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.7) and IL-17 gene expression (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.6). Conclusions These findings suggest that interactions between elevated plasma endotoxin concentrations and inflammatory cytokines may be relevant to the development of colorectal adenomas. PMID:23442743

Circadian relationships between interleukin (IL)-6 and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones: failure of IL-6 to cause sustained hypercortisolism in patients with early untreated rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Crofford, L J; Kalogeras, K T; Mastorakos, G; Magiakou, M A; Wells, J; Kanik, K S; Gold, P W; Chrousos, G P; Wilder, R L

1997-04-01

Systemic symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are mediated, at least in part, by elevated levels of circulating interleukin (IL)-6, and this cytokine is also a potent stimulus of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. To evaluate the 24-h circadian secretory dynamics of ACTH, cortisol, and IL-6 and their interactions in patients with early untreated RA, we recruited and studied five newly diagnosed, untreated RA patients early in the course of their disease and five age-, gender-, and race-matched control subjects. We collected serial blood samples over 24 h and measured plasma ACTH and cortisol every 30 min and IL-6 every hour. The 24-h collection was followed by administration of ovine CRH (oCRH) and post-oCRH serial blood samples over 2 h. We analyzed the 24-h overall levels of these hormones and their circadian variations and performed time-lagged cross-correlation analyses among them. The untreated RA patients had 24 h time-integrated plasma ACTH, plasma cortisol levels, and urinary free cortisol excretion that were not significantly different from control subjects, in spite of their disease activity. However, an earlier morning surge of plasma ACTH and cortisol in the patients was suggested. Plasma ACTH and cortisol responses to oCRH were similar in RA patients and controls. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the RA patients compared with control subjects during the early morning hours (P < 0.05). There was pronounced circadian variation of plasma Il-6 levels. In the RA patients, we detected a positive temporal correlation between plasma levels of IL-6 and ACTH/cortisol, with elevated levels of IL-6 before the elevations of ACTH and cortisol by 1 and 2 h, respectively. In the same patients, we detected a negative effect of cortisol upon IL-6 exerted with a delay of 5 h. The data presented here suggest that although endogenous IL-6 may stimulate secretion of ACTH and cortisol, overall activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis remains normal and apparently is insufficient to inhibit ongoing inflammation in early untreated RA patients.

Further evidence for plasma progranulin as a biomarker in bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Kittel-Schneider, Sarah; Weigl, Johannes; Volkert, Julia; Geßner, Alexandra; Schmidt, Brigitte; Hempel, Susanne; Kiel, Tilman; Olmes, David G; Bartl, Jasmin; Weber, Heike; Kopf, Juliane; Reif, Andreas

2014-03-01

A recent study suggested that progranulin (encoded by the fronto-temporal dementia risk gene GRN) plasma levels are decreased in bipolar disorder (BD). Replication of this finding is however lacking. Progranulin plasma levels of bipolar patients (n=104) and healthy controls (n=80) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Participants were also genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GRN gene (rs2879096, rs4792938 and rs5848), and the effect of genetic variation on progranulin levels was examined. Plasma progranulin levels were decreased in BD (ANCOVA, p=0.001). Furthermore, age was significantly and positively correlated with plasma progranulin (Pearson׳s correlation, r=0.269, p<0.001). Also, lithium treatment but no other medication had a significant effect on progranulin plasma levels (ANCOVA, p=0.007). Specifically in BD, the GRN SNP rs5848 was associated with progranulin plasma levels (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.005). Subgroup analysis regarding bipolar I vs. bipolar II subtype and polarity of the episode at sampling (manic vs. depressed vs. mixed vs. rapid cycling vs. euthymic) could only be performed with limited validity due to the relatively small sample size. The suitability of peripheral progranulin as a biomarker for BD is limited due to the overlap between patients and controls. The findings strengthen the evidence for progranulin being involved in pathomechanisms of bipolar disorder, and suggest a genetic determinant of progranulin concentrations that is relevant specifically in bipolar patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uric acid levels in plasma and urine in rats chronically exposed to inorganic As (III) and As(V).

PubMed

Jauge, P; Del-Razo, L M

1985-07-01

The effect of inorganic arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) on renal excretion and plasma levels of uric acid was examined in rats. Oral administration of 1200 micrograms As/kg/day for 6 weeks diminished uric acid levels in plasma by 67.1% and 26.5% of control after the administration of As(III) and As(V), respectively. Renal excretion of uric acid was significantly reduced during the first 3 weeks following As (III) administration, with a subsequent increase to approach control values at the end of the treatment. When As(V) was administered, the diminution in renal excretion was significant at 6 weeks.

Physiological levels of blood coagulation factors IX and X control coagulation kinetics in an in vitro model of circulating tissue factor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tormoen, Garth W.; Khader, Ayesha; Gruber, András; McCarty, Owen J. T.

2013-06-01

Thrombosis significantly contributes to cancer morbidity and mortality. The mechanism behind thrombosis in cancer may be circulating tissue factor (TF), as levels of circulating TF are associated with thrombosis. However, circulating TF antigen level alone has failed to predict thrombosis in patients with cancer. We hypothesize that coagulation factor levels regulate the kinetics of circulating TF-induced thrombosis. Coagulation kinetics were measured as a function of individual coagulation factor levels and TF particle concentration. Clotting times increased when pooled plasma was mixed at or above a ratio of 4:6 with PBS. Clotting times increased when pooled plasma was mixed at or above a ratio of 8:2 with factor VII-depleted plasma, 7:3 with factor IX- or factor X-depleted plasmas, or 2:8 with factor II-, V- or VIII-depleted plasmas. Addition of coagulation factors VII, X, IX, V and II to depleted plasmas shortened clotting and enzyme initiation times, and increased enzyme generation rates in a concentration-dependent manner. Only additions of factors IX and X from low-normal to high-normal levels shortened clotting times and increased enzyme generation rates. Our results demonstrate that coagulation kinetics for TF particles are controlled by factor IX and X levels within the normal physiological range. We hypothesize that individual patient factor IX and X levels may be prognostic for susceptibility to circulating TF-induced thrombosis.

The effects of mind-body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines.

PubMed

Jung, Ye-Ha; Kang, Do-Hyung; Jang, Joon Hwan; Park, Hye Yoon; Byun, Min Soo; Kwon, Soo Jin; Jang, Go-Eun; Lee, Ul Soon; An, Seung Chan; Kwon, Jun Soo

2010-07-26

This study was designed to assess the association between stress, positive affect and catecholamine levels in meditation and control groups. The meditation group consisted of 67 subjects who regularly engaged in mind-body training of "Brain-Wave Vibration" and the control group consisted of 57 healthy subjects. Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) levels were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were administered. The meditation group showed higher scores on positive affect (p=.019) and lower scores on stress (p<.001) compared with the control group. Plasma DA levels were also higher in the meditation (p=.031) than in the control group. The control group demonstrated a negative correlation between stress and positive affects (r=-.408, p=.002), whereas this correlation was not observed in the meditation group. The control group showed positive correlations between somatization and NE/E (r=.267, p=.045) and DA/E (r=.271, p=.042) ratios, whereas these correlations did not emerge in the meditation group. In conclusion, these results suggest that meditation as mind-body training is associated with lower stress, higher positive affect and higher plasma DA levels when comparing the meditation group with the control group. Thus, mind-body training may influence stress, positive affect and the sympathetic nervous system including DA activity. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low plasma PDGF-BB levels are associated with estradiol in postmenopausal osteoporosis: PDGF-BB mediated by estradiol in women.

PubMed

Tang, Lanhua; Xia, Zhuying; Luo, Zhongwei; Long, Haitao; Zhu, Yong; Zhao, Shushan

2017-08-01

Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between low plasma Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) levels and oestradiol in Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). Methods This prospective study measured plasma PDGF-BB and oestradiol levels in outpatients who were admitted to our hospital. Participants were screened and then allocated to three groups: normal young women, postmenopausal control, and PMOP. Additionally, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either sham surgery or bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and were divided into the following groups: sham, OVX, OVX + oestradiol, and OVX + PDGF-BB. Plasma oestradiol and PDGF-BB levels were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Results A total of 121 participants, including 69 normal young women, 28 patients with primary PMOP, and 24 age-matched postmenopausal women were enrolled. Plasma oestradiol and PDGF-BB levels were lower in postmenopausal women, especially in PMOP ( P < 0.01). Pearson correlations analysis showed that PDGF-BB levels were positively correlated with oestradiol levels and inversely correlated with age ( P < 0.01). The OVX rat model showed that oestradiol replacement increased plasma PDGF-BB levels, while PDGF-BB systematic treatment had no effect on plasma oestradiol levels. Conclusions Plasma PDGF-BB levels are maintained by oestrogen in normal young women and play a major role in PMOP.

Low plasma levels of cholecalciferol and 13-cis-retinoic acid in tuberculosis: implications in host-based chemotherapy.

PubMed

Srinivasan, Anand; Syal, Kirtimaan; Banerjee, Dibyajyoti; Hota, Debasish; Gupta, Dheeraj; Kaul, Deepak; Chakrabarti, Amitava

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to estimate the concentration of cholecalciferol and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA) in the plasma and pleural fluid of patients with tuberculosis (TB) against controls. Plasma levels of cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA were measured in 22 patients with TB and healthy controls and their pleural fluids levels were measured in 6 TB patients and diseased controls by established high-performance liquid chromatography-based procedure. Cholecalciferol levels in plasma and pleural fluid of patients with TB and healthy controls were 67.45 (10.71) nmol/L and 21.40 (8.58) nmol/L compared with 117.43 (18.40) nmol/L (P < 0.001) and 94.73 (33.34) nmol/L (P = 0.0049), respectively. 13-cis-RA level in the plasma of patients with TB and healthy controls were 1.51 (0.72) nmol/L and 6.67 (0.81) nmol/L (P < 0.001), respectively. 13-cis-RA was not detectable in pleural fluid. The levels of both the agents were lower in patients with TB than in controls. It was observed that in patients with TB there is a combined deficiency of cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA compared with healthy volunteers. Because cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA are in equilibrium with active ingredients of vitamins A and D, we feel that there is a combined deficiency of these vitamins in patients with TB. There is an evidence that concomitant vitamin A and D supplementation can kill intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. Therefore, the observations made in this study can pave the path for a trial of combined supplementation of available formulations of vitamin A and D (cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA) for novel anti-tubercular drug therapy. Because such an approach is host-based it has potential to treat even multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant forms of TB. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites predict the response to sulpiride or fluvoxamine in major depression.

PubMed

Ueda, N; Yoshimura, R; Shinkai, K; Nakamura, J

2002-09-01

We investigated the relationships between the changes in plasma catecholamine metabolites obtained from depressed patients before and after administration of sulpiride, a benzamide compound, or fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and between clinical responses to treatment with each of these drugs. Responders to sulpiride had significantly lower plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels before administration of sulpiride than did non-responders or controls (responders: 4.5 +/- 3.1 ng/ml, non-responders: 11.1 +/- 5.9 ng/ml, controls: 10.9 +/- 5.3 ng/ml). Positive relationships were observed between changes in pHVA levels and improvement rates in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). In contrast, responders to fluvoxamine had significantly higher plasma free 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (pMHPG) levels before administration of fluvoxamine than did non-responders or controls (responders: 8.5 +/- 1.8 ng/ml, non-responders: 5.9 +/- 2.I ng/ml, controls: 5.2 +/- 2.9 ng/ml). Negative relationships were observed between changes in pMHPG levels and improvement rates in Ham-D. These results suggest that lower pretreatment pHVA levels and higher pretreatment levels of pMHPG might be predictors of response to sulpiride and fluvoxamine, respectively, and that sulpiride might produce a functional increase in the dopaminergic system, resulting in improvement in some depressive symptoms; fluvoxamine, on the other hand, might produce a functional decrease in the noradrenergic system via serotonergic neurons, resulting in improvement of those symptoms.

Association of the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) Gene -675 4G/5G and -844 A/G Promoter Polymorphism with Risk of Keloid in a Chinese Han Population

PubMed Central

Wang, Yongjie; Long, Jianhong; Wang, Xiaoyan; Sun, Yang

2014-01-01

Background A keloid is pathological scar caused by aberrant response to skin injuries, characterized by excessive accumulation of histological extracellular matrix, and occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of keloid. We investigated the association between PAI-1 polymorphisms and plasma PAI-1 level with keloid risk. Material/Methods A total of 242 Chinese keloid patients and 207 controls were enrolled in this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction technique was used to determine PAI-1 promoter polymorphism (-675 4G/5G and -844 A/G) distribution. Plasma PAI-1 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of PAI-1 -675 4G/5G polymorphism between keloid patients and healthy controls. 4G/4G carriers were more likely to develop keloid. In contrast, the -844 A/G polymorphism distribution did not vary significantly between keloid patients and controls. The keloid patients group had a significantly higher plasma PAI-1 level than the control group. In the -675 4G/4G carrier population, the plasma PAI-1 levels were significant higher in keloid patients compared with controls. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that PAI-1 promoter polymorphism -675 4G/5G and plasma PAI-1 level are associated with keloid risk. PAI-1 -675 4G/5G polymorphism may be an important hereditary factor responsible for keloid development in the Chinese Han population. PMID:25350781

The role of the habenula-interpeduncular pathway in modulating levels of circulating adrenal hormones.

PubMed

Murray, M; Murphy, C A; Ross, L L; Haun, F

1994-01-01

The fasciculus retroflexus (FR) is the major pathway by which the medial and lateral habenular nuclei project to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) and ventral tegmentum. Recent work has suggested that the habenula-interpeduncular system may be involved in the regulation of states of arousal. Bilateral FR lesions have been shown to disrupt chronically, and habenula transplants have been shown to restore normal sleep patterns in rats [J. NeuroscL, 12 (1992) 3282-3290]. In this study, we examined whether FR lesions and habenula cell transplants would also modify chronically the circulating plasma levels of the stress-related hormones, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI) and corticosterone. When plasma samples were obtained via retro-orbital eye-bleed during anesthesia, animals with FR lesions had significantly increased levels of plasma NE, EPI and corticosterone 2-3 months postoperatively compared to unoperated controls. Transplants of embryonic habenula cells placed near the denervated IPN in FR-lesioned animals restored levels of NE and EPI to normal, but did not attenuate elevated corticosterone levels. When plasma samples were obtained in conscious animals via indwelling arterial cannulae, FR-lesioned rats likewise exhibited increased basal levels of corticosterone but plasma levels of catecholamines were similar to those of unoperated controls. Differences in our results obtained using the two methods of blood sampling may be explained by the effects of anesthesia and stress associated with the eye-bleed method. Thus, the effect of FR lesions in increasing plasma levels of catecholamines may not reflect a difference in basal hormone levels, but a heightened sympathetic adrenomedullary response to stress. While these results indicate that the integrity of the habenular efferent pathway is important in modulating circulating levels of hormones associated with the stress response, two separate mechanisms appear to control its interactions with sympathetic-adrenal medullary and adrenocortical pathways.

Interactive effects of naphthalene treatment and the onset of vitellogenesis on energy metabolism in liver and gonad, and plasma steroid hormones of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

PubMed

Tintos, Adrián; Gesto, Manuel; Alvarez, Rosa; Míguez, Jesús M; Soengas, José L

2006-10-01

The purpose of the study was to assess in female fish the possible interaction between treatment with a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) like naphthalene and the onset of vitellogenesis. In a first experiment, female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at stages 2-3 (previtellogenesis) or 4 (early vitellogenesis) were intraperitoneally injected (2 microl g(-1)) with vegetable oil alone (control) or containing naphthalene (50 mg kg(-1)) to be sampled 3 h later. A second experiment was similarly designed but using fish intraperitoneally implanted (10 microl g(-1)) with slow-release coconut oil implants alone (control) or containing 50 mg naphthalene kg(-1) body mass that were sampled 3 days after injection. On each sampling time, plasma levels of cortisol and 17beta-estradiol, and several metabolic parameters in plasma, liver and gonad were assessed. In controls, early vitellogenic fish compared with previtellogenic fish displayed changes that in some cases are confirmatory of previous studies whereas in other cases provide new information in plasma (increased amino acid levels), liver (decreased capacity for exporting glucose and reduced amino acid levels) and gonad (decreased amino acid levels). Naphthalene treatment produced in previtellogenic fish decreased 17beta-estradiol levels in plasma, increased plasma glucose or decreased liver gluconeogenic capacity whereas no major effects were noticed on parameters involved in lipid, amino acid and lactate metabolism. Differential effects of naphthalene treatment were noticed in early vitellogenic fish such as decreased 17beta-estradiol and glucose levels in plasma, increased hexokinase and glucokinase and lack of changes in fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase activities in liver, and a lower decrease of amino acid levels in gonad. Those alterations produced by naphthalene treatment resulted in a decreased capacity for covering the energy demand of vitellogenesis in liver and gonad that could contribute to a delay and/or impairment of the onset of maturation.

Measurement of soluble CD59 in CSF in demyelinating disease: Evidence for an intrathecal source of soluble CD59.

PubMed

Zelek, Wioleta M; Watkins, Lewis M; Howell, Owain W; Evans, Rhian; Loveless, Sam; Robertson, Neil P; Beenes, Marijke; Willems, Loek; Brandwijk, Ricardo; Morgan, B Paul

2018-02-01

CD59, a broadly expressed glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, is the principal cell inhibitor of complement membrane attack on cells. In the demyelinating disorders, multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), elevated complement protein levels, including soluble CD59 (sCD59), were reported in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We compared sCD59 levels in CSF and matched plasma in controls and patients with MS, NMOSD and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and investigated the source of CSF sCD59 and whether it was microparticle associated. sCD59 was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Hycult; HK374-02). Patient and control CSF was subjected to western blotting to characterise anti-CD59-reactive materials. CD59 was localised by immunostaining and in situ hybridisation. CSF sCD59 levels were double those in plasma (CSF, 30.2 ng/mL; plasma, 16.3 ng/mL). Plasma but not CSF sCD59 levels differentiated MS from NMOSD, MS from CIS and NMOSD/CIS from controls. Elimination of microparticles confirmed that CSF sCD59 was not membrane anchored. CSF levels of sCD59 are not a biomarker of demyelinating diseases. High levels of sCD59 in CSF relative to plasma suggest an intrathecal source; CD59 expression in brain parenchyma was low, but expression was strong on choroid plexus (CP) epithelium, immediately adjacent the CSF, suggesting that this is the likely source.

Increased plasma nesfatin-1 levels may be associated with corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels in patients with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Xia, Qing-Rong; Liang, Jun; Cao, Yin; Shan, Feng; Liu, Yang; Xu, Ya-Yun

2018-05-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the plasma nesfatin-1, corticosterone, and inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α) concentrations cross-sectionally in patients with major depressive disorder. Subjects in the patient group were randomly selected from the Anhui Mental Health Center, and subjects in the control group were selected from healthy volunteers. Healthy control subjects were matched in terms of weight and body mass index. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to evaluate both groups. ELISAs were used for the measurement of plasma nesfatin-1, corticosterone, IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels. The HAM-D scores and average nesfatin-1, corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder than those in the control group. Positive correlation was found between nesfatin-1 and corticosterone (r = 0.305, P = 0.007), IL-6 (r = 0.333, P = 0.003), and CRP (r = 0.244, P = 0.034) concentrations. Increased plasma nesfatin-1 levels may be associated with corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels in patients with major depressive disorder. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elevated plasma migration inhibitory factor in hypertension–hyperlipidemia patients correlates with impaired endothelial function

PubMed Central

Zhou, Boda; Ren, Chuan; Zu, Lingyun; Zheng, Lemin; Guo, Lijun; Gao, Wei

2016-01-01

Abstract Migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been shown to be critical in the pathology of early artherosclerosis; this article aim to investigate the plasma levels of MIF in hypertension plus hyperlipidemia patients. A total of 39 hypertension plus hyperlipidemia patients without any previous treatment were enrolled (HTN-HLP). Twenty-five healthy subjects were enrolled as the healthy control group (HEALTHY). Plasma MIF was measured by ELISA; laboratory and clinical characteristics were analyzed. HUVECs were treated with pooled plasma from HTN-HLP and HEALTHY groups, and the protein levels of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were determined by ELISA. We found that plasma MIF was significantly elevated in the HTN-HLP group. Serum NO and eNOS levels were significantly lower; serum ET-1 (endothelin) levels were significantly higher in the HTN-HLP group. Furthermore, blood pressure, baPWV (brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity), and serum ET-1 level were significantly positively; serum NO and eNOS levels were negatively correlated with plasma MIF levels. Plasma from HTN-HLP significantly stimulated VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 protein expression on the surface of HUVECs. Plasma MIF was elevated in HTN-HLP patients and correlates with impaired endothelial function. PMID:27787379

Vitamin D Levels in Different Severity Groups of Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Akinlade, Kehinde Sola; Olaniyan, Oyejide Afolabi; Lasebikan, Victor Olufolahan; Rahamon, Sheu Kadiri

2017-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) continues to be associated with schizophrenia, but there is the dearth of information on the relationship between the severity of schizophrenia and plasma levels of vitamin D. This study, therefore, determined the plasma levels of vitamin D in different severity groups of schizophrenia. Plasma level of vitamin D was determined in 60 patients with schizophrenia and 30 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls. Patients with schizophrenia were classified into mildly ill, moderately ill, markedly ill, and severely ill groups using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The mean level of vitamin D was significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia compared with the controls. Similarly, there was a significant association between VDD and schizophrenia. The mean plasma levels of vitamin D were not significantly different when the mildly, moderately, markedly, and severely ill groups were compared with one another and there was no significant correlation between vitamin D level and PANSS scores. Furthermore, patients on atypical antipsychotics had an insignificantly lower level of vitamin D compared with the patients on typical antipsychotics. It could be concluded from this study that patients with schizophrenia have low plasma vitamin D level which does not appear to be associated with the severity of schizophrenia and type of antipsychotics. Therefore, regular screening for vitamin D status of patients with schizophrenia is suggested in order to allow for the institution of appropriate clinical intervention when necessary.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine and tirilazad mesylate on intestinal functional capillary density, leukocyte adherence, mesenteric plasma extravasation and cytokine levels in experimental endotoxemia in rats.

PubMed

Birnbaum, J; Lehmann, Ch; Klotz, E; Hein, O Vargas; Blume, A; Jubin, F; Polze, N; Luther, D; Spies, C D

2008-01-01

The study's objective was to determine the effects of the administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and of tirilazad mesylate (TM) on intestinal functional capillary density, mesenteric plasma extravasation, leukocyte adherence and on cytokine release during experimental endotoxemia in rats. In a prospective, randomized, controlled animal study, 80 male Wistar rats were examined in 2 test series. Both series were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 served as control group (CON group). Group 2 (LPS group), group 3 (NAC group) and group 4 (TM group) received endotoxin infusions (10 mg/kg over 2 h). In NAC group 150 mg/kg body weight NAC was administered after the first 30 minutes of endotoxemia intravenously. In TM group, 10 mg/kg body weight TM was administered after the first 30 minutes of endotoxemia intravenously. Animals of the series 1 underwent studies of leukocyte adherence on submucosal venular endothelium of the small bowel wall and intestinal functional capillary density (FCD) in the intestinal mucosa and the circular as well as the longitudinal muscle layer by intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVM). Plasma levels of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), interferone gamma (IFN-gamma) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule1 (s-ICAM 1) as well as white blood cell count (WBC) were estimated. In the animals of the series 2 mesenteric plasma extravasation was determined by IVM and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated. After LPS administration, FCD in the villi intestinales was unchanged and in the longitudinal muscularis layer it was increased. There was no effect of NAC or TM administration on FCD.Although the plasma extravasation was not significantly influenced by LPS administration, TM administration resulted in a lower plasma extravasation in the TM group compared to the other groups. After endotoxin challenge, the firmly adherence of leukocytes to vascular endothelium as a parameter of leukocyte activation in endotoxemia was increased but NAC or TM administration had no influence on leukocyte adherence. The plasma levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and sICAM-1 were increased in the endotoxemic groups (LPS group, NAC group and TM group) and the WBC was decreased compared to controls. IL-4 levels were unchanged during observation period. Plasma MDA levels were not influenced by LPS administration compared to controls. The administration of NAC resulted in lower sICAM-1 and MDA levels compared to the LPS group. The IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma plasma levels were not influenced by NAC or TM administration. In this posttreatment sepsis model in rats, NAC administration resulted in lower sICAM-1 and MDA levels compared to the LPS treated animals. TM administration reduced the plasma extravasation in this model.

Mothers of autistic children: lower plasma levels of oxytocin and Arg-vasopressin and a higher level of testosterone.

PubMed

Xu, Xin-Jie; Shou, Xiao-Jing; Li, Jin; Jia, Mei-Xiang; Zhang, Ji-Shui; Guo, Yan; Wei, Qing-Yun; Zhang, Xiu-Ting; Han, Song-Ping; Zhang, Rong; Han, Ji-Sheng

2013-01-01

Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder,thought to be caused by a combination of genetic heritability and environmental risk factors. Some autistic-like traits have been reported in mothers of autistic children. We hypothesized that dysregulation of oxytocin (OXT), Arg-vasopressin (AVP) and sex hormones, found in autistic children, may also exist in their mothers. We determined plasma levels of OXT (40 in autism vs. 26 in control group), AVP (40 vs. 17) and sex hormones (61 vs. 47) in mothers of autistic and normal children by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively and investigated their relationships with the children's autistic behavior scores (Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC)). Significantly lower plasma concentrations of OXT (p<0.001) and AVP (p<0.001), as well as a higher level of plasma testosterone (p<0.05), were found in mothers of autistic children vs. those of control. The children's autistic behavior scores were negatively associated with maternal plasma levels of OXT and AVP. These results suggest that dysregulation of OXT, AVP and/or testosterone systems exist in mothers of autistic children, which may impact children's susceptibility to autism.

Inverse Association of Plasma Chromium Levels with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Chen, Sijing; Jin, Xiaoling; Shan, Zhilei; Li, Shuzhen; Yin, Jiawei; Sun, Taoping; Luo, Cheng; Yang, Wei; Yao, Ping; Yu, Kaifeng; Zhang, Yan; Cheng, Qian; Cheng, Jinquan; Bao, Wei; Liu, Liegang

2017-01-01

Chromium has long been known as an enhancer of insulin action. However, the role of chromium in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans remains controversial. The current study aimed to examine the associations of plasma chromium levels with T2DM and pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM). We conducted a case-control study involving 1471 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, 682 individuals with newly diagnosed pre-DM, and 2290 individuals with normal glucose tolerance in a Chinese population from 2009 to 2014. Plasma chromium was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Plasma chromium levels were lower in the T2DM and pre-DM groups than in the control group (median: 3.68 μg/L, 3.61 μg/L, 3.97 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for T2DM across increasing quartiles of plasma chromium levels were 1 (referent), 0.67 (0.55–0.83), 0.64 (0.51–0.79), and 0.58 (0.46–0.73), respectively (p for trend <0.001). The corresponding odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for pre-DM were 1 (referent), 0.70 (0.54–0.91), 0.67 (0.52–0.88), and 0.58 (0.43–0.78), respectively (p for trend < 0.001). Our results indicated that plasma chromium concentrations were inversely associated with T2DM and pre-DM in Chinese adults. PMID:28304331

Inverse Association of Plasma Chromium Levels with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Chen, Sijing; Jin, Xiaoling; Shan, Zhilei; Li, Shuzhen; Yin, Jiawei; Sun, Taoping; Luo, Cheng; Yang, Wei; Yao, Ping; Yu, Kaifeng; Zhang, Yan; Cheng, Qian; Cheng, Jinquan; Bao, Wei; Liu, Liegang

2017-03-17

Chromium has long been known as an enhancer of insulin action. However, the role of chromium in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans remains controversial. The current study aimed to examine the associations of plasma chromium levels with T2DM and pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM). We conducted a case-control study involving 1471 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, 682 individuals with newly diagnosed pre-DM, and 2290 individuals with normal glucose tolerance in a Chinese population from 2009 to 2014. Plasma chromium was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Plasma chromium levels were lower in the T2DM and pre-DM groups than in the control group (median: 3.68 μg/L, 3.61 μg/L, 3.97 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for T2DM across increasing quartiles of plasma chromium levels were 1 (referent), 0.67 (0.55-0.83), 0.64 (0.51-0.79), and 0.58 (0.46-0.73), respectively ( p for trend <0.001). The corresponding odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for pre-DM were 1 (referent), 0.70 (0.54-0.91), 0.67 (0.52-0.88), and 0.58 (0.43-0.78), respectively ( p for trend < 0.001). Our results indicated that plasma chromium concentrations were inversely associated with T2DM and pre-DM in Chinese adults.

Plasma Amino Acid Levels in Children with Autism and Their Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aldred, Sarah; Moore, Kieran M.; Fitzgerald, Michael; Waring, Rosemary H.

2003-01-01

Plasma amino acid levels were measured in autistic (n=12), Asperger syndrome (n=11) patients, their parents and siblings. Patients with autism or Asperger syndrome and their siblings and parents all had raised glutamic acid, phenyalanine, asparagine, tyrosine, alanine, and lysine levels than age-matched controls. Results suggest dysregulated amino…

Increased plasma fibrinopeptide A levels during attacks induced by hyperventilation in patients with coronary vasospastic angina.

PubMed

Oshima, S; Ogawa, H; Yasue, H; Okumura, K; Matsuyama, K; Miyagi, H

1989-07-01

Plasma fibrinopeptide A levels, beta-thromboglobulin levels and platelet factor 4 levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after hyperventilation in 12 patients with coronary vasospastic angina and in 12 control subjects matched for age and gender. In all 12 study patients, anginal attacks accompanied by electrocardiographic (ECG) changes (ST elevation in 11 patients and ST depression in 1 patient) were induced by hyperventilation. Coronary angiography was performed on 11 of the 12 patients, and coronary artery spasm with the same ECG changes was induced by intracoronary injection of acetylcholine in all 11. The plasma fibrinopeptide A levels increased significantly from 2.0 +/- 0.4 to 10.0 +/- 2.4 ng/ml during the attack (p less than 0.001) in the study patients, but remained unchanged before and after hyperventilation in the control subjects. The plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 remained unchanged after hyperventilation in both groups. Our data indicate that coronary artery spasm may induce thrombin generation and trigger thrombus formation in the coronary artery.

Plasma homocysteine and vitamin B12 serum levels, red blood cell folate concentrations, C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation and risk of recurrent miscarriage: a case-control study in Spain.

PubMed

Creus, Montserrat; Deulofeu, Ramon; Peñarrubia, Joana; Carmona, Francisco; Balasch, Juan

2013-03-01

Hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation have been postulated as a possible cause of recurrent miscarriage (RM). There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms and homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels among populations around the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible association between hyperhomocysteinemia and its causative genetic or acquired factors and RM in Catalonia, a Mediterranean region in Spain. Sixty consecutive patients with ≥ 3 unexplained RM and 30 healthy control women having at least one child but no previous miscarriage were included. Plasma Hcy levels, MTHFR gene mutation, red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured in all subjects. No significant differences were observed neither in plasma Hcy levels, RBC folate and vitamin B12 serum levels nor in the prevalence of homozygous and heterozygous MTHFR gene mutation between the two groups studied. In the present study RM is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and/or the MTHFR gene mutation.

Association between decreased plasma levels of soluble human leukocyte antigen-G and severe pre-eclampsia.

PubMed

He, Yingdong; Chen, Shi; Huang, He; Chen, Qian

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of different isoforms of soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) in maternal plasma during early and late pregnancy, and to investigate the expression of sHLA-G isoforms in women with early or late-onset severe preeclampsia. This prospective, nested, case-control study was performed in 24 early-onset severe preeclamptic, 34 late-onset severe preeclamptic, and 74 uncomplicated pregnant women. Plasma levels of sHLA-G1/5 were measured using ELISA. Plasma sHLA-G1 levels in women with late-onset severe preeclampsia were markedly lower compared with normal controls (median: 0 vs. 1.22 ng/mL) at the first trimester, and plasma sHLA-G1 levels in women with early-onset severe preeclampsia were markedly lower compared with normal controls at the second (median: 0 vs. 1.24 ng/mL) and third (median: 0 vs. 1.34 ng/mL) trimesters. There was no difference between the late-onset and early-onset groups at three trimesters. As for sHLA-G5, there was no difference in concentrations among the three groups at any time point. However, compared with controls, more women with early- or late-onset severe preeclampsia had undetectable sHLA-G5 levels in the first (71.4% and 76.2% vs. 14.1%), second (75.0% and 73.3% vs. 19.0%), and third (100.0% and 70.4% vs. 14.8%, respectively) trimester (all P<0.05). sHLA-G1 levels in the first (odds ratio [OR]=0.254, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.109-0.591, P=0.010), second (OR=0.315, 95% CI=0.158-0.627, P=0.001), and third (OR=0.170, 95% CI=0.054-0.533, P=0.002) trimester was a risk factor for severe preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia was associated with low/undetectable maternal plasma levels of sHLA-G. Low sHLA-G1 levels might be a risk marker for severe preeclampsia.

Involvement of toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in association between dyslipidemia and osteoclast differentiation in apolipoprotein E deficient rat periodontium

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Dyslipidemia increases circulating levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and this may induce alveolar bone loss through toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dyslipidemia on osteoclast differentiation associated with TLR2 and TLR4 in periodontal tissues using a rat dyslipidemia (apolipoprotein E deficient) model. Methods Levels of plasma OxLDL, and the cholesterol and phospholipid profiles in plasma lipoproteins were compared between apolipoprotein E-deficient rats (16-week-old males) and wild-type (control) rats. In the periodontal tissue, we evaluated the changes in TLR2, TLR4, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression. Results Apolipoprotein E-deficient rats showed higher plasma levels of OxLDL than control rats (p<0.05), with higher plasma levels of total cholesterol (p<0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (p<0.05) and lower plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). Their periodontal tissue also exhibited a higher ratio of RANKL-positive cells and a higher number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts than control rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, periodontal gene expression of TLR2, TLR4 and RANKL was higher in apolipoprotein E-deficient rats than in control rats (p<0.05). Conclusion These findings underscore the important role for TLR2 and TLR4 in mediating the osteoclast differentiation on alveolar bone response to dyslipidemia. PMID:23295061

L-arginine levels are diminished in adult acute vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis in the emergency department.

PubMed

Lopez, Bernard L; Kreshak, Allyson A; Morris, Claudia R; Davis-Moon, Linda; Ballas, Samir K; Ma, Xin-Liang

2003-02-01

Paediatric studies have demonstrated that l-arginine (l-arg), the precursor to nitric oxide, is diminished in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). This study aimed to determine whether l-arginine levels are altered in adult VOC in the emergency department. Plasma l-arg and nitric oxide metabolite (NOx) levels were obtained in adult VOC patients presenting to the emergency department. Fifty patients had significantly low plasma l-arg (29.78 micromol/l +/- 11.21, P < 0.05 vs steady-state control = 41.16 micromol/l +/- 5.04) and significantly low plasma NOx (12.33 micromol/l +/- 10.28, P < 0.05 vs steady-state control = 25.2 +/- 2.6 micro mol/l). Neither l-arg nor NOx levels could predict VOC clinical course.

[A correlation study between diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome complicated functional dyspepsia patients of Gan-stagnation Pi-deficiency syndrome and gastrointestinal hormones].

PubMed

Zhao, Liang; Song, Wen; Zhu, Ping; Zhang, Yu; Bu, Ping

2014-10-01

To investigate the correlation between the pathogeneses of diarrhea-pre- dominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) complicated functional dyspepsia (FD) patients of Gan-stagnation Pi-deficiency Syndrome (GSPDS) and symptoms, psychological states, and gastrointestinal hormones. A total of 111 patients with confirmed D-IBS complicated FD of GSPDS were recruited as the treated group by using Rome III standard and Chinese medical syndrome standard. And 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. The general condition, scoring for digestive symptoms, and the distribution of GSPDS subtype of all subjects were recorded by a questionnaire, and assessed by Symptom Checklist (SCL-90; a software for psychological test developed by Beijing Huicheng Adult Cor- poration). Meanwhile, plasma levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), somatostatin (SS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), endothelin (ET), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and interleukin 12 (IL-12) were measured in all subjects. (1) The subtype of D-IBS complicated FD of GSPDS was dominant in Pi-qi deficiency type (51/111,45.9%),Pi yang deficiency type (34/111,30.6%), and GSPDS. There was no statistical difference in the scoring of digestive symptoms among the 3 subtypes (P >0.05). (2) Compared with the control group, the anxiety factor score and the total score significantly increased in all three subtypes of D-IBS complicated FD of GSPDS, and the depression score of Pi yang deficiency type and Gan-depression type also significantly increased (P <0.05, P <0.01); the depression score of Gan-depression type was significantly higher than that of the Pi-qi deficiency type (P <0.01). Plasma 5-HT levels were obviously lower in D-IBS complicated FD patients of GSPDS accompanied with anxiety or depression than in those with no obvious psychological abnormalities, and VIP and IL-10 levels were significantly lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). Plasma VIP levels were also obviously lower in D-IBS complicated FD patients of GSPDS accompanied with anxiety or depression than in those with no obvious psychological abnormalities (P <0.01), and SS levels were significantly lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). There was no statistical difference in plasma ET or IL-12 levels in each patient group, when compared with the control group (P >0.05). (3) Compared with the.control group, plasma 5-HT levels significantly increased, plasma VIP and IL-10 levels significantly decreased in ach subtype of D-IBS complicated FD patients of GSPDS (P <0.05, P <0.01), and no significant change of SS, ET, or IL-12 occurred (P >0.05). Besides, plasma 5-HT levels were significantly higher in Gan-depression type than in Pi yang deficiency type, VIP levels were lower in Gan-depression type than in Pi-qi deficiency type (all P <0.05). Gan stagnation and Pi deficiency were dominant in D-IBS complicated FD patients of GSPDS. Psychological abnormalities, increased plasma 5-HT levels, and decreased plasma VIP levels were closely correlated with Gan stagnation subtype, which provided some reference for looking for objective indicators of Chinese medical syndromes in treating D-IBS complicated FD patients of GSPDS.

Distinct Plasma Profile of Polar Neutral Amino Acids, Leucine, and Glutamate in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tirouvanziam, Rabindra; Obukhanych, Tetyana V.; Laval, Julie; Aronov, Pavel A.; Libove, Robin; Banerjee, Arpita Goswami; Parker, Karen J.; O'Hara, Ruth; Herzenberg, Leonard A.; Herzenberg, Leonore A.; Hardan, Antonio Y.

2012-01-01

The goal of this investigation was to examine plasma amino acid (AA) levels in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, N = 27) and neuro-typically developing controls (N = 20). We observed reduced plasma levels of most polar neutral AA and leucine in children with ASD. This AA profile conferred significant post hoc power for discriminating…

Effect of stress during handling, seawater acclimation, confinement, and induced spawning on plasma ion levels and somatolactin-expressing cells in mature female Liza ramada.

PubMed

Khalil, Noha A; Hashem, Amal M; Ibrahim, Amal A E; Mousa, Mostafa A

2012-08-01

The present experiments were designed to determine the effect of different stress factors; handling, seawater acclimation, confinement, and induced spawning on plasma cortisol, hydro mineral balance as well as changes in size, number and integrated intensity of somatolactin (SL)-expressing cells in Liza ramada mature females confined to fresh water ponds. The plasma levels of cortisol, PO(4)(3-), Na(+), and K(+) were higher, while Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) were lower than controls during transportation without anesthesia. By using clove oil (5 mg L(-1)) as an anesthetic during transportation, the plasma cortisol, PO(4) (3-), Na(+), and K(+) were similar to controls, while Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) were higher. During seawater acclimation, the plasma cortisol and minerals were significantly higher except Na(+) which was lower than controls. In addition, during induction of spawning, the plasma levels of cortisol, PO(4)(3-), Na(+), K(+), and Mg(2+) were significantly higher than controls. The SL-producing cells are located in the pars intermedia (PI) bordering the neurohypophysis. The stress affected the number, size, and immunostaining of SL-expressing cells. During seawater acclimation, the size and the integrated intensity of SL immunoreactivity were lower, but the number of these cells was higher than controls. Furthermore, the number, size, and the integrated intensity of SL immunoreactivity were significantly lower than controls during handling and after spawning, which was opposite to confinement. The response of SL-expressing cells in PI in parallel with changes in cortisol and hydro mineral balance induced by stress support the possible role of SL in the adaptive response of fish to stress. © 2012 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

Association study of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation with cerebral venous thrombosis in an Iranian population.

PubMed

Ghaznavi, Habib; Soheili, Zahra; Samiei, Shahram; Soltanpour, Mohammad S

2015-12-01

There are limited data on the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia as risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis in Iranian population. We examined a possible association between fasting plasma homocysteine levels, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism, and cerebral venous thrombosis in 50 patients with a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (20-63 years old) and 75 healthy controls (18-65 years old). Genotyping of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene polymorphism was performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and homocysteine levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Fasting plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in cerebral venous thrombosis patients than in controls (P = 0.015). Moreover, plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677TT genotype compared to 677CT and 677CC genotypes in both cerebral venous thrombosis patients (P = 0.01) and controls (P = 0.03). Neither 677CT heterozygote genotype [odds ratio (OR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-2.84, P = 0.556] nor 677TT homozygote genotype (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.32-9.21, P = 0.833) was significantly associated with cerebral venous thrombosis. Additionally, no significant differences in the frequency of 677T allele between cerebral venous thrombosis patients and controls were identified (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.69-2.50, P = 0.512). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that elevated plasma homocysteine levels are significant risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis. Also, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677TT genotype is not linked with cerebral venous thrombosis, but is a determinant of elevated plasma homocysteine levels.

Characterization of resistant hypertension: association between resistant hypertension, aldosterone, and persistent intravascular volume expansion.

PubMed

Gaddam, Krishna K; Nishizaka, Mari K; Pratt-Ubunama, Monique N; Pimenta, Eduardo; Aban, Inmaculada; Oparil, Suzanne; Calhoun, David A

2008-06-09

Resistant hypertension is a common clinical problem and greatly increases the risk of target organ damage. We evaluated the characteristics of 279 consecutive patients with resistant hypertension (uncontrolled despite the use of 3 antihypertensive agents) and 53 control subjects (with normotension or hypertension controlled by using

Childhood Chronic Physical Aggression Associates with Adult Cytokine Levels in Plasma

PubMed Central

Provençal, Nadine; Suderman, Matthew J.; Vitaro, Frank; Szyf, Moshe; Tremblay, Richard E.

2013-01-01

Background An increasing number of animal and human studies are indicating that inflammation is associated with behavioral disorders including aggression. This study investigates the association between chronic physical aggression during childhood and plasma cytokine levels in early adulthood. Methodology/Principal Findings Two longitudinal studies were used to select males on a chronic physical aggression trajectory from childhood to adolescence (n = 7) and a control group from the same background (n = 25). Physical aggression was assessed yearly by teachers from childhood to adolescence and plasma levels of 10 inflammatory cytokines were assessed at age 26 and 28 years. Compared to the control group, males on a chronic physical aggression trajectory from childhood to adolescence had consistently lower plasma levels of five cytokines: lower pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-1α (T(28.7) = 3.48, P = 0.002) and IL-6 (T(26.9) = 3.76, P = 0.001), lower anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-4 (T(27.1) = 4.91, P = 0.00004) and IL-10 (T(29.8) = 2.84, P = 0.008) and lower chemokine IL-8 (T(26) = 3.69, P = 0.001). The plasma levels of four cytokines accurately predicted aggressive and control group membership for all subjects. Conclusions/Significance Physical aggression of boys during childhood is a strong predictor of reduced plasma levels of cytokines in early adulthood. The causal and physiological relations underlying this association should be further investigated since animal data suggest that some cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1β play a causal role in aggression. PMID:23922720

Plasma prolidase levels as a biomarker for polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Bhatnager, Richa; Nanda, Smiti; Dang, Amita S

2018-06-01

Assessment of plasma prolidase levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS patients were screened according to Rotterdam Criterion and prolidase levels were measured.  A total of 170 patients and 160 controls were recruited for the study and it was found that prolidase levels were significantly higher in PCOS group (991.10 ± 39.52) than control (621.89 ± 23.94). Furthermore it has been found that prolidase levels increase with the number of cysts in ovaries. Significant difference between prolidase levels in PCOS and control shows that it may be used as a diagnostic marker for disease. In addition to this, there is a positive correlation found between prolidase levels and number of cysts, hence may be used as a prognostic marker to monitor disease status.

Protein profiles of CCL5, HPGDS, and NPSR1 in plasma reveal association with childhood asthma.

PubMed

Hamsten, C; Häggmark, A; Grundström, J; Mikus, M; Lindskog, C; Konradsen, J R; Eklund, A; Pershagen, G; Wickman, M; Grunewald, J; Melén, E; Hedlin, G; Nilsson, P; van Hage, M

2016-09-01

Asthma is a common chronic childhood disease with many different phenotypes that need to be identified. We analyzed a broad range of plasma proteins in children with well-characterized asthma phenotypes to identify potential markers of childhood asthma. Using an affinity proteomics approach, plasma levels of 362 proteins covered by antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas were investigated in a total of 154 children with persistent or intermittent asthma and controls. After screening, chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS) and neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) were selected for further investigation. Significantly lower levels of both CCL5 and HPGDS were found in children with persistent asthma, while NPSR1 was found at higher levels in children with mild intermittent asthma compared to healthy controls. In addition, the protein levels were investigated in another respiratory disease, sarcoidosis, showing significantly higher NPSR1 levels in sera from sarcoidosis patients compared to healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining of healthy tissues revealed high cytoplasmic expression of HPGDS in mast cells, present in stroma of both airway epithelia, lung as well as in other organs. High expression of NPSR1 was observed in neuroendocrine tissues, while no expression was observed in airway epithelia or lung. In conclusion, we have utilized a broad-scaled affinity proteomics approach to identify three proteins with altered plasma levels in asthmatic children, representing one of the first evaluations of HPGDS and NPSR1 protein levels in plasma. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Inflammation in Patients with Schizophrenia: the Therapeutic Benefits of Risperidone Plus Add-On Dextromethorphan

PubMed Central

Chen, Shiou-Lan; Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Chen, Shih-Heng; Chu, Chun-Hsieh; Tzeng, Nian-Sheng; Lee, I-Hui; Chen, Po-See; Yeh, Tzung Lieh; Huang, San-Yuan; Yang, Yen-Kuang; Lu, Ru-Band; Hong, Jau-Shyong

2013-01-01

Objectives Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation contributes to the etiology and progression of schizophrenia. Molecules that initiate inflammation, such as virus- and toxin-induced cytokines, are implicated in neuronal degeneration and schizophrenia-like behavior. Using therapeutic agents with anti-inflammatory or neurotrophic effects may be beneficial for treating schizophrenia. Methods One hundred healthy controls and 95 Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia were tested in this double-blind study. Their PANSS scores, plasma interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured before and after pharmacological treatment. Results Pretreatment, plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia than in controls, but plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower. Patients were treated with the atypical antipsychotic risperidone (Risp) only or with Risp+add-on dextromethorphan (DM). PANSS scores and plasma IL-1β levels significantly decreased, but plasma TNF-α and BDNF levels significantly increased after 11 weeks of Risp treatment. Patients in the Risp+DM group showed a greater and earlier reduction of symptoms than did those in the Risp-only group. Moreover, Risp+DM treatment attenuated Risp-induced plasma increases in TNF-α. Conclusion Patients with schizophrenia had a high level of peripheral inflammation and a low level of peripheral BDNF. Long-term Risp treatment attenuated inflammation and potentiated the neurotrophic function but also produced a certain degree of toxicity. Risp+DM was more beneficial and less toxic than Risp-only treatment. PMID:22730040

Plasma serotonin level is a predictor for recurrence and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.

PubMed

Xia, Yan; Wang, Dawei; Zhang, Nan; Wang, Zhihao; Pang, Li

2018-02-01

To investigate the prognostic value of plasma serotonin levels in colorectal cancer (CRC). Preoperative plasma serotonin levels of 150 healthy control (HC) cases, 150 benign colorectal polyp (BCP) cases, and 176 CRC cases were determined using radioimmunoassay assay. Serotonin levels were compared between HC, BCP, and CRC cases, and those in CRC patients were related to 5-year outcome. Plasma serotonin levels were markedly higher in CRC patients than in either HCs or BCP cases. An elevated serotonin level was significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the level of serotonin had a high predictive value for disease recurrence and mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that high serotonin level was significantly associated with poor recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Our results suggest that a high peri-operative plasma serotonin level is useful as a prognostic biomarker for CRC recurrence and poor survival. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Plasma Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China: Associations with Symptoms.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong-Feng; Dai, Yu-Chuan; Wu, Jing; Jia, Mei-Xiang; Zhang, Ji-Shui; Shou, Xiao-Jing; Han, Song-Ping; Zhang, Rong; Han, Ji-Sheng

2016-10-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impairments of social interaction and the presence of obsessive behaviors. The "twin" nonapeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are known to play regulatory roles in social behaviors. However, the plasma levels and behavioral relevance of OXT and AVP in children with ASD have seldom been investigated. It is also unknown whether their mothers have abnormal plasma peptide levels. Here, using well-established methods of neuropeptide measurement and a relatively large sample size, we determined the plasma levels of the two neuropeptides in 85 normal children, 84 children with ASD, and 31 mothers from each group of children. As expected, children with ASD had lower plasma OXT levels than gender-matched controls (P = 0.028). No such difference was found for plasma AVP concentrations. Correlation analysis showed that ASD children with higher plasma OXT concentrations tended to have less impairment of verbal communication (Rho = -0.22, P = 0.076), while those with higher plasma AVP levels tended to have lower levels of repetitive use of objects (Rho = -0.231, P = 0.079). Unlike the findings in children, maternal plasma OXT levels showed no group difference. However, plasma AVP levels in the mothers of ASD children tended to be lower than in the mothers of normal children (P = 0.072). In conclusion, our results suggest that the OXT system is dysregulated in children with ASD, and that OXT and AVP levels in plasma seem to be associated with specific autistic symptoms. The plasma levels of OXT or AVP in mothers and their ASD children did not seem to change in the same direction.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000745 may serve as a diagnostic marker for gastric cancer.

PubMed

Huang, Mei; He, Yi-Ren; Liang, Li-Chuan; Huang, Qiang; Zhu, Zhi-Qiang

2017-09-14

To determine whether circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in pathological processes of gastric cancer (GC). Three circRNAs with differential expression in GC and colorectal cancer were randomly selected for validation by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), using 20 pairs of gastric tissues and normal tissues. Based on the predicted circRNA-miRNA network, we then focused on hsa_circ_0000745, which was found to be down-regulated in 20 GC tissues compared with normal tissues. The hsa_circ_0000745 levels were further analyzed by qRT-PCR in 60 GC tissues and paired adjacent non-tumor tissues, as well as 60 plasma samples from GC patients and 60 plasma samples from healthy controls. The associations between the levels of hsa_circ_0000745 and the clinicopathological features of GC patients were statistically assessed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of hsa_circ_0000745 in GC. Hsa_circ_0000745 was down-regulated in GC tissues vs non-tumorous tissues ( P < 0.001) and in plasma samples from patients with GC vs healthy controls ( P < 0.001). The expression level of hsa_circ_0000745 in GC tissues correlated with tumor differentiation, while the expression level in plasma correlated with tumor-node-metastasis stage. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of hsa_circ_0000745 in plasma was 0.683, suggesting good diagnostic value. Plasma hsa_circ_0000745 level combined with carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA) level increased the AUC to 0.775. Hsa_circ_0000745 plays an important role in GC and its expression level in plasma in combination with CEA level is a promising diagnostic marker for this malignancy.

Detection of gastric cancer-associated microRNAs on microRNA microarray comparing pre- and post-operative plasma

PubMed Central

Konishi, H; Ichikawa, D; Komatsu, S; Shiozaki, A; Tsujiura, M; Takeshita, H; Morimura, R; Nagata, H; Arita, T; Kawaguchi, T; Hirashima, S; Fujiwara, H; Okamoto, K; Otsuji, E

2012-01-01

Background: Recently, it was reported that plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) are low-invasive useful biomarkers for cancer. We attempted to isolate gastric cancer (GC)-associated miRNAs comparing pre- and post-operative paired plasma, thereby excluding the possible effects of individual variability. Methods: This study was divided into four steps: (1) microarray analysis comparing pre- and post-operative plasma; (2) validation of candidate miRNAs by quantitative RT–PCR; (3) validation study of selected miRNAs using paired plasma; and (4) comparison of the levels of selected miRNAs in plasma between healthy controls and patients. Results: From the results of microarray analysis, nine candidate miRNAs the levels of which were markedly decreased in post-operative plasma were selected for further studies. After confirmation of their post-operative marked reduction, two candidate miRNAs, miR-451 and miR-486, were selected as plasma biomarkers, considering the abundance in plasma, and marked decrease in post-operative samples. In validation, the two miRNAs were found to decrease in post-operative plasma in 90 and 93% of patients (both P<0.01). In comparison with healthy controls, the levels of both miRNAs were found to be significantly higher in patients, and the area under the curve values were high at 0.96 and 0.92. Conclusion: Plasma miR-451 and miR-486 could be useful blood-based biomarkers for screening GC. PMID:22262318

Steady state plasma [3H]-noradrenaline kinetics in quadriplegic chronic spinal cord injury patients.

PubMed

Krum, H; Brown, D J; Rowe, P R; Louis, W J; Howes, L G

1990-08-01

1. Steady state plasma noradrenaline kinetics were measured in eight male quadriplegic patients and in eight age and sex matched controls. 2. Plasma noradrenaline levels were significantly lower in quadriplegic patients compared to controls. Noradrenaline spillover rate was markedly reduced in quadriplegics compared to controls while noradrenaline clearance was similar in both groups. 3. Noradrenaline kinetics in quadriplegic patients differ from peripheral autonomic neuropathy patients where reductions in both the spillover and clearance of noradrenaline are present.

Elevated plasma midkine and pleiotrophin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Wu, Guo-Cui; Yuan, Hui; Pan, Hai-Feng; Ye, Dong-Qing

2017-06-20

Emerging evidence suggests that two heparin-binding growth factor, midkine and pleiotrophin are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including SLE. To investigate the plasma midkine and pleiotrophin levels in SLE patients, as well as their correlation with major clinical parameters and interleukin-17 (IL-17) level in SLE, 83 SLE patients and 123 controls including 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 21 Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients and 82 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Plasma midkine, pleiotrophin and IL-17 levels were detected by ELISA. Midkine and pleiotrophin levels were significantly higher in SLE, RA and SS patients compared with HCs (all P < 0.05). There were significantly lower midkine and pleiotrophin levels in SLE compared to SS (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). No significant differences in midkine and pleiotrophin levels were found between SLE and RA (P = 0.240 and P = 0.074, respectively). Both plasma midkine and pleiotrophin levels were associated with rash and anti-SSA in SLE. In addition, both midkine and pleiotrophin levels were positively associated with IL-17 level in SLE (both P < 0.001). Area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for midkine and pleiotrophin were 0.606 (0.527-0.681) and 0.605 (0.526-0.680) respectively. In conclusion, elevated plasma midkine and pleiotrophin levels and their associations with rash, anti-SSA and IL-17 in SLE patients suggest their involvement in this disease.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and somatostatin releases correlated with the area under the lafutidine concentration-time curve in human plasma.

PubMed

Ikawa, K; Shimatani, T; Azuma, Y; Inoue, M; Morikawa, N

2006-08-01

To examine the effects of the histamine H(2)-receptor antagonist, lafutidine, at clinical dosage (10 mg tablet after a standardized meal) on plasma levels of the gastrointestinal peptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), somatostatin and gastrin. Six healthy male volunteers ate a standardized meal, and received either lafutidine orally at a dose of 10 mg or water only (control). Blood samples were taken before and up to 4 h after the drug administration. Plasma lafutidine concentrations were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic analysis of lafutidine was performed using one-compartmental model. The levels of immunoreactive substances of plasma CGRP, somatostatin and gastrin were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and the amount of peptide release was calculated by the trapezoidal method. Lafutidine significantly increased plasma CGRP levels at 1, 1.5, 2.5 and 4 h and the total amount of CGRP release (192 +/- 14.0 pg.h/mL) compared with the control group (128 +/- 21.5 pg.h/mL). Lafutidine significantly increased the plasma somatostatin levels at 1 and 1.5 h, and the total amount of somatostatin released (107 +/- 18.2 pg.h/mL) compared with the control (78.4 +/- 7.70 pg.h/mL). The area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 4 h after administration correlated well with the Delta-CGRP and Delta-somatostatin release but not with total amount of gastrin released. However, plasma gastrin levels were significantly elevated at 1.5 h after drug administration. Lafutidine at clinical dosage increases plasma CGRP and the somatostatin. The amounts released correlated with the AUC of lafutidine in humans. These results suggest that the increased release of CGRP and somatostatin may contribute to its gastroprotective and anti-acid secretory effect.

Clinical symptoms in fibromyalgia are better associated to lipid peroxidation levels in blood mononuclear cells rather than in plasma.

PubMed

Cordero, Mario D; Alcocer-Gómez, Elísabet; Cano-García, Francisco J; De Miguel, Manuel; Carrión, Angel M; Navas, Plácido; Sánchez Alcázar, José A

2011-01-01

We examined lipid peroxidation (LPO) in blood mononuclear cells (BMCs) and plasma, as a marker of oxidative damage, and its association to clinical symptoms in Fibromyalgia (FM) patients. We conducted a case-control and correlational study comparing 65 patients and 45 healthy controls. Clinical parameters were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), visual analogues scales (VAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Oxidative stress was determined by measuring LPO in BMCs and plasma. We found increased LPO levels in BMCs and plasma from FM patients as compared to normal control (P<0.001). A significant correlation between LPO in BMCs and clinical parameters was observed (r = 0.584, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.823, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.875, P<0.01 for depression in the BDI). We also found a positive correlation between LPO in plasma and clinical symptoms (r = 0.452, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.578, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.579, P<0.001 for depression in the BDI). Partial correlation analysis controlling for age and BMI, and sex, showed that both LPO in cells and plasma were independently associated to clinical symptoms. However, LPO in cells, but not LPO in plasma, was independently associated to clinical symptoms when controlling for depression (BDI scores). The results of this study suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and that LPO in BMCs rather than LPO in plasma is better associated to clinical symptoms in FM.

Plasma catalase activity and malondialdehyde level in patients with cataract.

PubMed

Ateş, N A; Yildirim, O; Tamer, L; Unlü, A; Ercan, B; Muşlu, N; Kanik, A; Hatungil, R; Atik, U

2004-08-01

Oxidative mechanisms play a major role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of cataract, especially in age-related cataract. Our study aims to investigate systemic oxidant and antioxidant markers in cataract patients. The activity of erythrocyte catalase and the level of malondialdehyde in plasma were measured in 40 patients with cataract and 60 healthy control subjects. The malondialdehyde level, as an index of lipid peroxidation, was determined by thiobarbitüric acid reaction according to Yagi. The determination of catalase activity was measured by a method that was defined by Beutler. Catalase enzyme activity and malondialdehyde level were evaluated to find out whether there was a significant difference in these variables. Analysis of variance was used by forming a general linear model that takes age and gender as the covariate. CAT activity was found to be 13 920.2 +/- 847.9 U/l in cataract patients and 16 061.3 +/- 1126.6 U/l in control subjects. CAT activity in cataract patients was significantly lower than the control subjects (P = 0.008). Plasma MDA level is significantly higher in patients with cataract 4.47 +/- 0.35 nmol/ml compared to the control subjects 2.94 +/- 0.26 nmol/ml (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between different cataract subgroups when erythrocyte CAT activities and plasma MDA levels were compared (P = 0.322, 0.062). This study shows that oxidant/antioxidant balances alter in the presence of cataract.

Plasma antioxidant status and motor features in de novo Chinese Parkinson's disease patients.

PubMed

Yuan, Yongsheng; Tong, Qing; Zhang, Li; Jiang, Siming; Zhou, Hong; Zhang, Rui; Zhang, Shu; Xu, Qinrong; Li, Daqian; Zhou, Xiaobin; Ding, Jian; Zhang, Kezhong

2016-01-01

This study aimed to explore plasma antioxidant status in de novo Chinese Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and investigate its relationship with specific motor features of PD. Sixty-four de novo Chinese PD patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Each motor feature of PD patients was assessed by unified Parkinson's disease rating scale. Plasma antioxidant status, including plasma level of glutathione (GSH) and plasma activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between the plasma antioxidant status and motor features of PD was evaluated by Spearman's coefficient. Plasma GSH level and plasma activities of GSH-Px, CAT and SOD of PD patients were lower than those of healthy controls. Moreover, the declining activity of plasma CAT was related with the increasing mean postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) score and growing age. In contrast, the severity of tremor was positively correlated with plasma SOD activity. Our study demonstrates that the plasma antioxidant status is impaired in de novo Chinese PD patients. The complex relationship between the plasma antioxidant status and different motor features indicates that the antioxidant mechanisms underlying tremor and PIGD of PD may be different.

Antihypertensive effects of continuous oral administration of nattokinase and its fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Fujita, Mitsugu; Ohnishi, Katsunori; Takaoka, Shinsaku; Ogasawara, Kazuya; Fukuyama, Ryo; Nakamuta, Hiromichi

2011-01-01

To determine whether the antihypertensive effect of nattokinase is associated with the protease activity of this enzyme, we compared nattokinase with the fragments derived from nattokinase, which possessed no protease activity, in terms of the effect on hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the continuous oral administration test, the groups were given a basic diet alone (control), the basic diet containing nattokinase (0.2, 2.6 mg/g diet) or the basic diet containing the fragments derived from nattokinase (0.2, 0.6 mg/g diet). The group fed the basic diet containing high-dosage nattokinase (2.6 mg/g diet) showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and plasma fibrinogen level, compared with control group and no influence on activities of renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1), and plasma angiotensin II level in the renin-angiotensin system. The treatment of the basic diet containing high-dosage fragments (0.6 mg/g diet) significantly decreased SBP, DBP and plasma angiotensin II level in plasma but the treatment did not influence on plasma fibrinogen level. These results suggest that nattokinase and its fragments are different from each other in the mechanism to reduce hypertension. Nattokinase, retained its protease activity after absorbance across the intestines, may decrease blood pressure through cleavage of fibrinogen in plasma. The fragments, which absorbed as nattokinase-degradation products, prevents the elevation of plasma angiotensin II level to suppress hypertension.

Determination of GABA and vigabatrin in human plasma by a rapid and simple HPLC method: correlation between clinical response to vigabatrin and increase in plasma GABA.

PubMed

Löscher, W; Fassbender, C P; Gram, L; Gramer, M; Hörstermann, D; Zahner, B; Stefan, H

1993-03-01

The novel antiepileptic drug vigabatrin (Sabril) acts by inhibiting degradation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), increasing the GABA concentrations in the brain. Because the GABA degrading enzyme GABA aminotransferase (GABA-T) is also present in peripheral tissues, including blood platelets, measurement of plasma GABA levels might be a useful indication of the pharmacological response to vigabatrin during therapeutic monitoring. However, because of the very low concentrations of GABA in plasma, the few methods available for plasma GABA analysis are time-consuming, difficult to perform and/or not selective enough because of potential interference with other plasma constituents. In the present study, a rapid, selective and sensitive amino acid analysis HPLC method has been developed for plasma GABA determination with fluorescence detection, using o-phthaldialdehyde as a precolumn derivatizing agent. By employing a 3 microns particle size reversed-phase column and a multi-step gradient system of two solvents, the very low endogenous concentration of GABA in human plasma could be reproducibly quantitated without interference of other endogenous compounds. Incubation of human plasma samples with GABA degrading enzyme(s) resulted in an almost total loss of the GABA peak, thus demonstrating the specificity of the method for GABA analysis. In addition to GABA and other endogenous amino acids, the HPLC method could be used to quantitate plasma levels of vigabatrin. Thus, this improved HPLC amino acid assay might be used to examine whether concomitant monitoring of plasma GABA and vigabatrin is useful for clinical purposes. This was examined in 20 epileptic patients undergoing chronic treatment with vigabatrin. The average plasma GABA level of these 20 patients did not differ significantly from non-epileptic controls. However, when epileptic patients were subdivided according to their clinical response to vigabatrin, vigabatrin responders had significantly higher GABA levels than nonresponders or controls. In contrast to the difference in plasma GABA, vigabatrin responders and nonresponders did not differ in dose or plasma level of vigabatrin. These data may indicate that determination of plasma GABA is a valuable non-invasive method for therapeutic monitoring in patients on medication with vigabatrin.

Development of ghrelin transgenic mice for elucidation of clinical implication of ghrelin.

PubMed

Aotani, Daisuke; Ariyasu, Hiroyuki; Shimazu-Kuwahara, Satoko; Shimizu, Yoshiyuki; Nomura, Hidenari; Murofushi, Yoshiteru; Kaneko, Kentaro; Izumi, Ryota; Matsubara, Masaki; Kanda, Hajime; Noguchi, Michio; Tanaka, Tomohiro; Kusakabe, Toru; Miyazawa, Takashi; Nakao, Kazuwa

2017-01-01

To elucidate the clinical implication of ghrelin, we have been trying to generate variable models of transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing ghrelin. We generated Tg mice overexpressing des-acyl ghrelin in a wide variety of tissues under the control of β-actin promoter. While plasma des-acyl ghrelin level in the Tg mice was 44-fold greater than that of control mice, there was no differences in the plasma ghrelin level between des-acyl ghrelin Tg and the control mice. The des-acyl ghrelin Tg mice exhibited the lower body weight and the shorter body length due to modulation of GH-IGF-1 axis. We tried to generate Tg mice expressing a ghrelin analog, which possessed ghrelin-like activity (Trp 3 -ghrelin Tg mice). The plasma Trp 3 -ghrelin concentration in Trp 3 -ghrelin Tg mice was approximately 85-fold higher than plasma ghrelin (acylated ghrelin) concentration seen in the control mice. Because Trp 3 -ghrelin is approximately 24-fold less potent than ghrelin, the plasma Trp 3 -ghrelin concentration in Trp 3 -ghrelin Tg mice was calculated to have approximately 3.5-fold biological activity greater than that of ghrelin (acylated ghrelin) in the control mice. Trp 3 -ghrelin Tg mice did not show any phenotypes except for reduced insulin sensitivity in 1-year old. After the identification of ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), we generated doubly Tg mice overexpressing both mouse des-acyl ghrelin and mouse GOAT in the liver by cross-mating the two kinds of Tg mice. The plasma ghrelin concentration of doubly Tg mice was approximately 2-fold higher than that of the control mice. No apparent phenotypic changes in body weight and food intake were observed in doubly Tg mice. Further studies are ongoing in our laboratory to generate Tg mice with the increased plasma ghrelin level to a greater extent. The better understanding of physiological and pathophysiological significance of ghrelin from experiments using an excellent animal model may provide a new therapeutic approach for human diseases.

Human neutrophil peptides and complement factor Bb in pathogenesis of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

PubMed

Cao, Wenjing; Pham, Huy P; Williams, Lance A; McDaniel, Jenny; Siniard, Rance C; Lorenz, Robin G; Marques, Marisa B; Zheng, X Long

2016-11-01

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is primarily caused by the deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity resulting from autoantibodies against ADAMTS13. However, ADAMTS13 deficiency alone is often not sufficient to cause acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Infections or systemic inflammation may precede acute bursts of the disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, 52 patients with acquired autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and 30 blood donor controls were recruited for the study. The plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 and complement activation fragments (i.e. Bb, iC3b, C4d, and sC5b-9) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the correlation between each biomarker and clinical outcomes. We found that the plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 and Bb in patients with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were significantly higher than those in the control (P<0.0001). The plasma levels of HNP1-3 correlated with the levels of plasma complement fragment Bb (rho=0.48, P=0.0004) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (rho=0.28, P=0.04); in addition, the plasma levels of Bb correlated with iC3b (rho=0.55, P<0.0001), sC5b-9 (rho=0.63, P<0.0001), serum creatinine (rho=0.42, p=0.0011), and lactate dehydrogenase (rho=0.40, P=0.0034), respectively. Moreover, the plasma levels of iC3b and sC5b-9 were correlated (rho=0.72, P<0.0001), despite no statistically significant difference of the two markers between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients and the control. We conclude that innate immunity, i.e. neutrophil and complement activation via the alternative pathway, may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and a therapy targeted at these pathways may be considered in a subset of these patients. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Plasma biomarkers associated with the apolipoprotein E genotype and Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Soares, Holly D; Potter, William Z; Pickering, Eve; Kuhn, Max; Immermann, Frederick W; Shera, David M; Ferm, Mats; Dean, Robert A; Simon, Adam J; Swenson, Frank; Siuciak, Judith A; Kaplow, June; Thambisetty, Madhav; Zagouras, Panayiotis; Koroshetz, Walter J; Wan, Hong I; Trojanowski, John Q; Shaw, Leslie M

2012-10-01

A blood-based test that could be used as a screen for Alzheimer disease (AD) may enable early intervention and better access to treatment. To apply a multiplex immunoassay panel to identify plasma biomarkers of AD using plasma samples from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort. Cohort study. The Biomarkers Consortium Alzheimer's Disease Plasma Proteomics Project. Plasma samples at baseline and at 1 year were analyzed from 396 (345 at 1 year) patients with mild cognitive impairment, 112 (97 at 1 year) patients with AD, and 58 (54 at 1 year) healthy control subjects. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were used to examine differences across diagnostic groups and relative to the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype. Increased levels of eotaxin 3, pancreatic polypeptide, and N-terminal protein B-type brain natriuretic peptide were observed in patients, confirming similar changes reported in cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with AD and MCI. Increases in tenascin C levels and decreases in IgM and ApoE levels were also observed. All participants with Apo ε3/ε4 or ε4/ε4 alleles showed a distinct biochemical profile characterized by low C-reactive protein and ApoE levels and by high cortisol, interleukin 13, apolipoprotein B, and gamma interferon levels. The use of plasma biomarkers improved specificity in differentiating patients with AD from controls, and ApoE plasma levels were lowest in patients whose mild cognitive impairment had progressed to dementia. Plasma biomarker results confirm cerebrospinal fluid studies reporting increased levels of pancreatic polypeptide and N-terminal protein B-type brain natriuretic peptide in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment. Incorporation of plasma biomarkers yielded high sensitivity with improved specificity, supporting their usefulness as a screening tool. The ApoE genotype was associated with a unique biochemical profile irrespective of diagnosis, highlighting the importance of genotype on blood protein profiles.

Increased Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein-α (sAPPα) in Severe Autism: Proposal of a Specific, Anabolic Pathway and Putative Biomarker

PubMed Central

Sokol, Deborah K.; Lahiri, Debomoy K.

2011-01-01

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in verbal communication, social interactions, and the presence of repetitive, stereotyped and compulsive behaviors. Excessive early brain growth is found commonly in some patients and may contribute to disease phenotype. Reports of increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other neurotrophic-like factors in autistic neonates suggest that enhanced anabolic activity in CNS mediates this overgrowth effect. We have shown previously that in a subset of patients with severe autism and aggression, plasma levels of the secreted amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein-alpha form (sAPPα) were significantly elevated relative to controls and patients with mild-to-moderate autism. Here we further tested the hypothesis that levels of sAPPα and sAPPβ (proteolytic cleavage products of APP by α- and β-secretase, respectively) are deranged in autism and may contribute to an anabolic environment leading to brain overgrowth. We measured plasma levels of sAPPα, sAPPβ, Aβ peptides and BDNF by corresponding ELISA in a well characterized set of subjects. We included for analysis 18 control, 6 mild-to-moderate, and 15 severely autistic patient plasma samples. We have observed that sAPPα levels are increased and BDNF levels decreased in the plasma of patients with severe autism as compared to controls. Further, we show that Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and sAPPβ levels are significantly decreased in the plasma of patients with severe autism. These findings do not extend to patients with mild-to-moderate autism, providing a biochemical correlate of phenotypic severity. Taken together, this study provides evidence that sAPPα levels are generally elevated in severe autism and suggests that these patients may have aberrant non-amyloidogenic processing of APP. PMID:21731612

Homocysteine and Cognitive Performance in Elders with Self-Neglect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnett, J.; Smith, S.M.; Aung, K.; Dyer, C.

2009-01-01

Elevated plasma homocysteine has been associated with altered cognitive performance in older adults. Elders referred to Adult Protective Services (APS) for self-neglect have been reported to have elevated plasma homocysteine levels and to suffer from cognitive impairment. This study assesses the association, if any, between plasma homocysteine and cognitive performance among elders with self-neglect. Methods: Sixty-five community-living adults, 65 years of age and older, reported to Adult Protective Services for self-neglect and 55 matched controls (matched for age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status) consented and participated in this study. The research team conducted in-home comprehensive geriatric assessments which included the mini-mental state exam (MMSE), the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS), the Wolf-Klein Clock Drawing Tests (CDT) and a comprehensive nutritional biochemistry panel, which included plasma homocysteine. Student s t tests and Pearson correlations were conducted to assess for bivariate associations. Results: Elders with self-neglect had significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels (M=12.68umol/L, sd=4.4) compared to the controls (M=10.40umol/L, sd=3.61;t=3.21, df=127, p=.002). There were no statistically significant associations between cognitive performance and plasma homocysteine in the self-neglect group, however there was a significant correlation between plasma homocysteine and the CDT among the controls (r=-.296, p=.022). Conclusion: Mean plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in elders with self-neglect, however, they do not appear to be related to cognitive performance, indicating that cognitive impairment in elder self-neglect involve mechanisms other than hyperhomocysteinemia. These findings warrant further investigation

Plasma antibodies to Abeta40 and Abeta42 in patients with Alzheimer's disease and normal controls.

PubMed

Xu, Wuhua; Kawarabayashi, Takeshi; Matsubara, Etsuro; Deguchi, Kentaro; Murakami, Tetsuro; Harigaya, Yasuo; Ikeda, Masaki; Amari, Masakuni; Kuwano, Ryozo; Abe, Koji; Shoji, Mikio

2008-07-11

Antibodies to amyloid beta protein (Abeta) are present naturally or after Abeta vaccine therapy in human plasma. To clarify their clinical role, we examined plasma samples from 113 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 205 normal controls using the tissue amyloid plaque immunoreactivity (TAPIR) assay. A high positive rate of TAPIR was revealed in AD (45.1%) and age-matched controls (41.2%), however, no significance was observed. No significant difference was observed in the MMS score or disease duration between TAPIR-positive and negative samples. TAPIR-positive plasma reacted with the Abeta40 monomer and dimer, and the Abeta42 monomer weakly, but not with the Abeta42 dimer. TAPIR was even detected in samples from young normal subjects and young Tg2576 transgenic mice. Although the Abeta40 level and Abeta40/42 ratio increased, and Abeta42 was significantly decreased in plasma from AD groups when compared to controls, no significant correlations were revealed between plasma Abeta levels and TAPIR grading. Thus an immune response to Abeta40 and immune tolerance to Abeta42 occurred naturally in humans without a close relationship to the Abeta burden in the brain. Clarification of the mechanism of the immune response to Abeta42 is necessary for realization of an immunotherapy for AD.

Plasma Homocysteine and Asymmetrical Dimethyl-l-Arginine (ADMA) and Whole Blood DNA Methylation in Early and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Pinna, Antonio; Zinellu, Angelo; Tendas, Donatella; Blasetti, Francesco; Carru, Ciriaco; Castiglia, Paolo

2016-01-01

To compare the plasma levels of homocysteine and asymmetrical dimethyl-l-arginine (ADMA) and the degree of whole blood DNA methylation in patients with early and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and in controls without maculopathy of any sort. This observational case-control pilot study included 39 early AMD patients, 27 neovascular AMD patients and 132 sex- and age-matched controls without maculopathy. Plasma homocysteine and ADMA concentrations and the degree of whole blood DNA methylation were measured. Quantitative variables were compared by Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the significance of the association between early or wet AMD and some variables. There were no significant differences in mean plasma homocysteine and ADMA concentrations and in the degree of whole blood DNA methylation between patients with early or neovascular AMD and their controls. Similarly, logistic regression analysis disclosed that plasma homocysteine and ADMA levels were not associated with an increased risk for early or neovascular AMD. We failed to demonstrate an association between early or neovascular AMD and increased plasma homocysteine and/or ADMA. Results also suggest that the degree of whole blood DNA methylation is not a marker of AMD.

Pituitary-adrenal hormones and testosterone across the menstrual cycle in women with premenstrual syndrome and controls.

PubMed

Bloch, M; Schmidt, P J; Su, T P; Tobin, M B; Rubinow, D R

1998-06-15

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclic mood disorder, widely believed, yet not conclusively shown, to be of endocrine etiology. This study examines basal levels of several hormones reported, albeit inconsistently, to differ in women with PMS compared with controls. Subjects (10 PMS patients and 10 controls) had their blood drawn for one full menstrual cycle. Subjects' mood and behavioral symptoms were assessed by daily self-ratings and objective ratings. Plasma was assayed for total and free testosterone (T), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol. No differences were observed between the PMS and control groups for beta-EP, ACTH, or cortisol. PMS subjects had significantly lower total and free T plasma levels with a blunting of the normal periovulatory peak, a finding that may be epiphenomenal to age. This study does not confirm previous reports of abnormalities in plasma levels of either ACTH or beta-EP in women with PMS; it also fails to replicate a previous observation of high free T levels in women with PMS. These results are not supportive of a primary endocrine abnormality in PMS patients.

Sex differences in plasma homovanillic acid levels in schizophrenia and normal controls: relation to neuroleptic resistance.

PubMed

Sumiyoshi, T; Hasegawa, M; Jayathilake, K; Meltzer, H Y

1997-03-01

Plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels were compared in a large number of neuroleptic-resistant and -responsive schizophrenic patients (male/female = 161/46) and normal controls (67/27), and correlated with various measures of psychopathology. Psychopathology was evaluated with the brief psychiatric rating scale, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Change version (SADS-C) and SADS-C Global Assessment Scale, the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), and the Quality of Life Scale. No significant differences in pHVA levels between neuroleptic-resistant (n = 104) or -responsive (n = 103) schizophrenic patients, and normal controls, were found; however, there was a main effect for sex, due to higher pHVA levels in women than men. There were no diagnosis x gender or age effects on pHVA levels. No significant correlations were observed between psychopathology ratings and baseline pHVA levels, except with the Hallucinations subscale of SAPS in neuroleptic-responsive patients. Neither duration of neuroleptic washout nor plasma prolactin levels correlated with pHVA levels. Further studies on the origin and significance of the gender difference in pHVA are indicated.

Specific food structures supress appetite through reduced gastric emptying rate

PubMed Central

Rafiee, Hameed; Malcolm, Paul; Salt, Louise; van Aken, George

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which gastric layering and retention of a meal could be used to reduce appetite using the same caloric load. Liquid (control) and semi-solid (active) meals were produced with the same protein, fat, carbohydrate, and mass. These were fed to 10 volunteers on separate days in a crossover study, and subjective appetite ratings, gastric contents, and plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) were assessed over a period of 3 h. The active meal showed food boluses in the stomach persisting for ∼45 min, slower emptying rates, and lower plasma CCK levels over the first hour. After the first hour, both gastric emptying rates and plasma CCK levels were similar for both systems and slightly increased compared with the unfed situation. Despite the lower plasma CCK levels for the active meal over the first hour, this meal reduced appetite more than the control meal over the 3 h of the study. For a moderately increased plasma CCK level in the fed state, appetite was correlated with the volume of gastric contents rather than gastric emptying rates or plasma CCK. This suggests that enhanced gastric retention was the key factor in decreasing appetite and was probably mediated by a combination of intestinal nutrient sensing and increased viscosity in the stomach. PMID:23578786

Longitudinal plasma metabolic profiles, infant feeding, and islet autoimmunity in the MIDIA study.

PubMed

Jørgenrud, Benedicte; Stene, Lars C; Tapia, German; Bøås, Håkon; Pepaj, Milaim; Berg, Jens P; Thorsby, Per M; Orešič, Matej; Hyötyläinen, Tuulia; Rønningen, Kjersti S

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal plasma metabolic profiles in healthy infants and the potential association with breastfeeding duration and islet autoantibodies predictive of type 1 diabetes. Up to four longitudinal plasma samples from age 3 months from case children who developed islet autoimmunity (n = 29) and autoantibody-negative control children (n = 29) with the HLA DR4-DQ8/DR3-DQ2 genotype were analyzed using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for detection of small polar metabolites. Plasma metabolite levels were found to depend strongly on age, with fold changes varying up to 50% from age 3 to 24 months (p < 0.001 after correction for multiple testing). Tyrosine levels tended to be lower in case children, but this was not significant after correction for multiple testing. Ornithine levels were lower in case children compared with the controls at the time of seroconversion, but the difference was not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. Breastfeeding for at least 3 months as compared with shorter duration was associated with higher plasma levels of isoleucine, and lower levels of methionine and 3,4-dihydroxybutyric acid at 3 months of age. Plasma levels of several small, polar metabolites changed with age during early childhood, independent of later islet autoimmunity status and sex. Breastfeeding was associated with higher levels of branched-chain amino acids, and lower levels of methionine and 3,4-dihydroxybutyric acid. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Data showing levels of interleukin-1β and nitric oxide in the plasma of uropathogenic E. coli infected UTI patients.

PubMed

Verma, Vivek; Arora, Renu; Dhanda, Rakesh Singh; Gaind, Rajni; Yadav, Manisha

2018-08-01

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a major cause of morbidity, affecting at least four million women worldwide, 65-75% of these infections are caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) (Foxman, 2010) [1]. Repertoire of virulence factors carried by UPEC provides the ability to precede urinary tract and additionally they provoke pro-inflammatory responses (Cirl et al., 2008; Verma et al., 2016) [2], [3]. In context to UPEC infected UTI patients, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and enzymatic antioxidant nitric oxide (NO) have not been reported worldwide till date, including India. In this data article, we report for the first time the levels of IL-1β and nitric oxide in the plasma of UPEC infected UTI patients. Data includes a profile of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and NO in the plasma of the confirmed UPEC infected UTI patients ( N  = 30) versus healthy controls ( N  = 40) from the present pilot study. The levels of IL-1β in plasma were significantly higher ( p  < 0.0001) in patients (252.3 ± 6.49 pg/ml) as compared to healthy controls (127.6 ± 3.98 pg/ml), whereas plasma levels of NO were significantly lower ( p  < 0.0001) in UPEC infected UTI patients (60.29 ± 1.1 μM) as compared to healthy controls (106.3 ± 8.75 μM).

Increased plasma levels of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA in suicide attempters: associations with HPA-axis hyperactivity

PubMed Central

Lindqvist, D; Fernström, J; Grudet, C; Ljunggren, L; Träskman-Bendz, L; Ohlsson, L; Westrin, Å

2016-01-01

Preclinical data suggest that chronic stress may cause cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially leading to the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the bloodstream. Major depressive disorder has been associated with an increased amount of mtDNA in leukocytes from saliva samples and blood; however, no previous studies have measured plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA in a clinical psychiatric sample. In this study, free circulating mtDNA was quantified in plasma samples from 37 suicide attempters, who had undergone a dexamethasone suppression test (DST), and 37 healthy controls. We hypothesized that free circulating mtDNA would be elevated in the suicide attempters and would be associated with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis hyperactivity. Suicide attempters had significantly higher plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA compared with healthy controls at different time points (pre- and post-DST; all P-values<2.98E−12, Cohen's d ranging from 2.55 to 4.01). Pre-DST plasma levels of mtDNA were positively correlated with post-DST cortisol levels (rho=0.49, P<0.003). Suicide attempters may have elevated plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA, which are related to impaired HPA-axis negative feedback. This peripheral index is consistent with an increased cellular or mitochondrial damage. The specific cells and tissues contributing to plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA are not known, as is the specificity of this finding for suicide attempters. Future studies are needed in order to better understand the relevance of increased free-circulating mtDNA in relation to the pathophysiology underlying suicidal behavior and depression. PMID:27922635

Pavlovian autoshaping procedures increase plasma corticosterone levels in rats.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Silberman, Yuval; Williams, Kayon; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2002-06-01

Pavlovian autoshaping conditioned responses (CRs) are complex sequences of conditioned stimulus (CS)-directed skeletal-motor responses that are elicited by CS objects predictive of food unconditioned stimulus (US). Autoshaping CRs are observed under conditions known to be conducive to elevations in plasma corticosterone levels, as, for example, in response to the eating of food as well as in response to signals predictive of food. Two experiments investigated the relationships between Pavlovian autoshaping procedures, the performance of Pavlovian autoshaping CRs, and plasma corticosterone levels in male Long-Evans rats. In Experiment 1, rats in the CS-US paired group (n=30) were given 20 daily sessions of Pavlovian autoshaping training wherein the insertion of a retractable lever CS was followed by the response-independent presentation of the food US. Tail blood samples obtained after the 20th autoshaping session revealed higher plasma corticosterone levels in the CS-US paired group than in the CS-US random control group (n=10). In Experiment 2, rats (n=35) were assessed for basal plasma corticosterone levels 2 weeks prior to autoshaping training. Plasma samples obtained immediately following the first autoshaping session, and prior to the acquisition of lever-press autoshaping CR performance, revealed higher plasma corticosterone levels in the CS-US paired group (n=24) relative to basal levels. This effect was not observed in the CS-US random control group (n=11). Data suggest that corticosterone release is a physiological endocrine Pavlovian CR induced by lever CS-food US pairings during Pavlovian autoshaping procedures, rather than a by-product of autoshaping CR performance. Implications of the link between autoshaping procedures and corticosterone release are discussed.

Plasma nesfatin-1 level is associated with severity of depression in Chinese depressive patients.

PubMed

Xiao, Min-Min; Li, Jiang-Bo; Jiang, Lan-Lan; Shao, Hui; Wang, Bao-Long

2018-04-03

Nesfatin-1 plays a role in the regulation of emotional states like depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma nesfatin-1levels in Chinese patients with depression and healthy subjects, and to determine the possible association between the plasma nesfatin-1 level and the severity of depression. A total of 103 depressive patients and 32 healthy subjects were assessed. According to HAMD-17scores, 51, 18, and 34 patients were enrolled in the mild depression, moderate depression, and severe depression groups, respectively. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels were determined by the ELISA method. Differences between groups were compared and associations between plasma nesfatin-1 and other variables were analyzed. The plasma nesfatin-1 was significantly positively correlated with HAMD-17 score (r = 0.651). Compared with healthy controls (8.11 ± 3.31 ng/mL), the plasma nesfatin-1 level significantly increased in patients with mild depression (11.17 ± 3.58 ng/mL), with moderate depression (16.33 ± 8.78 ng/mL), and with severe depression (27.65 ± 8.26 ng/mL) respectively. Plasma nesfatin-1 level (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.269) was an independent indicator for severe depression by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The plasma nesfatin-1 level is positively correlated with the severity of depression. Plasma nesfatin-1 level may be a potential indicator for depression severity.

Acute aerobic exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in elderly with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Coelho, Flávia Gomes de Melo; Vital, Thays Martins; Stein, Angelica Miki; Arantes, Franciel José; Rueda, André Veloso; Camarini, Rosana; Teodorov, Elizabeth; Santos-Galduróz, Ruth Ferreira

2014-01-01

Studies indicate the involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Decreased BDNF levels may constitute a lack of trophic support and contribute to cognitive impairment in AD. The benefits of acute and chronic physical exercise on BDNF levels are well-documented in humans, however, exercise effects on BDNF levels have not been analyzed in older adults with AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute aerobic exercise on BDNF levels in older adults with AD and to verify associations among BDNF levels, aerobic fitness, and level of physical activity. Using a controlled design, twenty-one patients with AD (76.3 ± 6.2 years) and eighteen healthy older adults (74.6 ± 4.7 years) completed an acute aerobic exercise. The outcomes included measures of BDNF plasma levels, aerobic fitness (treadmill grade, time to exhaustion, VO2, and maximal lactate) and level of physical activity (Baecke Questionnaire Modified for the Elderly). The independent t-test shows differences between groups with respect to the BDNF plasma levels at baseline (p = 0.04; t = 4.53; df = 37). In two-way ANOVA, a significant effect of time was found (p = 0.001; F = 13.63; df = 37), the aerobic exercise significantly increased BDNF plasma levels in AD patients and healthy controls. A significant correlation (p = 0.04; r = 0.33) was found between BDNF levels and the level of physical activity. The results of our study suggest that aerobic exercise increases BDNF plasma levels in patients with AD and healthy controls. In addition to that, BDNF levels had association with level of physical activity.

Disuse atrophy, plasma corticosterone, and muscle glucocorticoid receptor levels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steffen, J. M.; Musacchia, X. J.

1987-01-01

The effect of whole-body suspension on the time course and the extent of plasma corticosterone changes and the tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids were investigated in rats subjected to seven days of whole-body suspension. Plasma corticosterone increased significantly on the first and the third days of suspension, but returned to control levels by day seven. Muscle glucocorticoid receptors exhibited a characteristic hormonal specificity (evaluated in competitive-displacement experiments). In controls, receptor site concentration in the slow-twitch soleus was comparable to that in the fast-twitch gastrocnemius and plantaris, but was significantly less than in the extensor; seven days of suspension resulted in significant differential effects on muscle receptor levels. The largest increase in receptor concentration was observed in the soleus in which it remained elevated after the receptor levels in other muscles returned to normal.

Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in space - A primate model to look at mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore-Ede, M. C.; Churchill, S. E.; Leach, C. S.; Sulzman, F. M.; Fuller, C. A.; Kass, D.

1982-01-01

To elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular and renal responses to spaceflight, a ground-based primate model has been developed which uses lower body positive pressure (LBPP) to simulate the chronic central vascular expansion associated with weightlessnes. Four male squirrel monkeys with chronically implanted arterial and venous catheters and the capacity for continuous urine collection were subjected to LBPP for 4 days. Onset of LBPP resulted in an immediate diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis and a significant fall in plasma aldosterone and potassium levels. By day 2 the level of natriuresis had decreased by half, while potassium excretion and plasma aldosterone values had returned to control levels despite the persistence of a significantly reduced plasma potassium concentration. It is concluded that the low plasma potassium level appears not to stimulate a compensatory fall in plasma aldosterone because of the simultaneous presence of body volume contraction acting to raise aldosterone levels.

The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in Han Chinese heroin-dependent patients.

PubMed

Chen, Shiou-Lan; Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Wang, Tzu-Yun; Chen, Shih-Heng; Chu, Chun-Hsien; Chen, Po See; Yang, Yen Kuang; Hong, Jau-Shyong; Lu, Ru-Band

2015-02-02

BDNF and its gene polymorphism may be important in synaptic plasticity and neuron survival, and may become a key target in the physiopathology of long-term heroin use. Thus, we investigated the relationships between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma concentrations and the BDNF Val66Met nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in heroin-dependent patients. The pretreatment expression levels of plasma BDNF and the BDNF Val66Met SNP in 172 heroin-dependent patients and 102 healthy controls were checked. BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients (F = 52.28, p < 0.0001), but the distribution of the SNP was not significantly different. Nor were plasma BDNF levels significantly different between Met/Met, Met/Val, and Val/Val carriers in each group, which indicated that the BDNF Val66Met SNP did not affect plasma BDNF levels in our participants. In heroin-dependent patients, plasma BDNF levels were negatively correlated with the length of heroin dependency. Long-term (>15 years) users had significantly lower plasma BDNF levels than did short-term (<5 years) users. We conclude that plasma BDNF concentration in habitual heroin users are not affected by BDNF Val66Met gene variants, but by the length of the heroin dependency.

The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in Han Chinese heroin-dependent patients

PubMed Central

Chen, Shiou-Lan; Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Wang, Tzu-Yun; Chen, Shih-Heng; Chu, Chun-Hsien; Chen, Po See; Yang, Yen Kuang; Hong, Jau-Shyong; Lu, Ru-Band

2015-01-01

BDNF and its gene polymorphism may be important in synaptic plasticity and neuron survival, and may become a key target in the physiopathology of long-term heroin use. Thus, we investigated the relationships between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma concentrations and the BDNF Val66Met nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in heroin-dependent patients. The pretreatment expression levels of plasma BDNF and the BDNF Val66Met SNP in 172 heroin-dependent patients and 102 healthy controls were checked. BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients (F = 52.28, p < 0.0001), but the distribution of the SNP was not significantly different. Nor were plasma BDNF levels significantly different between Met/Met, Met/Val, and Val/Val carriers in each group, which indicated that the BDNF Val66Met SNP did not affect plasma BDNF levels in our participants. In heroin-dependent patients, plasma BDNF levels were negatively correlated with the length of heroin dependency. Long-term (>15 years) users had significantly lower plasma BDNF levels than did short-term (<5 years) users. We conclude that plasma BDNF concentration in habitual heroin users are not affected by BDNF Val66Met gene variants, but by the length of the heroin dependency. PMID:25640280

Hyperglucagonemia correlates with plasma levels of non-branched-chain amino acids in patients with liver disease independent of type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Wewer Albrechtsen, Nicolai J; Junker, Anders E; Christensen, Mette; Hædersdal, Sofie; Wibrand, Flemming; Lund, Allan M; Galsgaard, Katrine D; Holst, Jens J; Knop, Filip K; Vilsbøll, Tina

2018-01-01

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) frequently exhibit elevated plasma concentrations of glucagon (hyperglucagonemia). Hyperglucagonemia and α-cell hyperplasia may result from elevated levels of plasma amino acids when glucagon's action on hepatic amino acid metabolism is disrupted. We therefore measured plasma levels of glucagon and individual amino acids in patients with and without biopsy-verified NAFLD and with and without type T2D. Fasting levels of amino acids and glucagon in plasma were measured, using validated ELISAs and high-performance liquid chromatography, in obese, middle-aged individuals with I) normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and NAFLD, II) T2D and NAFLD, III) T2D without liver disease, and IV) NGT and no liver disease. Elevated levels of total amino acids were observed in participants with NAFLD and NGT compared with NGT controls (1,310 ± 235 µM vs. 937 ± 281 µM, P = 0.03) and in T2D and NAFLD compared with T2D without liver disease (1,354 ± 329 µM vs. 511 ± 235 µM, P < 0.0001). Particularly amino acids with known glucagonotropic effects (e.g., glutamine) were increased. Plasma levels of total amino acids correlated to plasma levels of glucagon also when adjusting for body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c ), and cholesterol levels (β = 0.013 ± 0.007, P = 0.024). Elevated plasma levels of total amino acids associate with hyperglucagonemia in NAFLD patients independently of glycemic control, BMI or cholesterol - supporting the potential importance of a "liver-α-cell axis" in which glucagon regulates hepatic amino acid metabolism. Fasting hyperglucagonemia as seen in T2D may therefore represent impaired hepatic glucagon action with increasing amino acids levels. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hypersecretion of glucagon (hyperglucagonemia) has been suggested to be linked to type 2 diabetes. Here, we show that levels of amino acids correlate with levels of glucagon. Hyperglucagonemia may depend on hepatic steatosis rather than type 2 diabetes.

Unraveling atomic-level self-organization at the plasma-material interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allain, J. P.; Shetty, A.

2017-07-01

The intrinsic dynamic interactions at the plasma-material interface and critical role of irradiation-driven mechanisms at the atomic scale during exposure to energetic particles require a priori the use of in situ surface characterization techniques. Characterization of ‘active’ surfaces during modification at atomic-scale levels is becoming more important as advances in processing modalities are limited by an understanding of the behavior of these surfaces under realistic environmental conditions. Self-organization from exposure to non-equilibrium and thermalized plasmas enable dramatic control of surface morphology, topography, composition, chemistry and structure yielding the ability to tune material properties with an unprecedented level of control. Deciphering self-organization mechanisms of nanoscale morphology (e.g. nanodots, ripples) and composition on a variety of materials including: compound semiconductors, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers and polycrystalline metals via low-energy ion-beam assisted plasma irradiation are critical to manipulate functionality in nanostructured systems. By operating at ultra-low energies near the damage threshold, irradiation-driven defect engineering can be optimized and surface-driven mechanisms controlled. Tunability of optical, electronic, magnetic and bioactive properties is realized by reaching metastable phases controlled by atomic-scale irradiation-driven mechanisms elucidated by novel in situ diagnosis coupled to atomistic-level computational tools. Emphasis will be made on tailored surface modification from plasma-enhanced environments on particle-surface interactions and their subsequent modification of hard and soft matter interfaces. In this review, we examine current trends towards in situ and in operando surface and sub-surface characterization to unravel atomic-scale mechanisms at the plasma-material interface. This work will emphasize on recent advances in the field of plasma and ion-induced nanopatterning and nanostructuring as well as ultra-thin film deposition. Future outlook will examine the critical role of complementary surface-sensitive techniques and trends towards advances in both in situ and in operando tooling.

Increased Levels of Cell-Free miR-517a and Decreased Levels of Cell-Free miR-518b in Maternal Plasma Samples From Placenta Previa Pregnancies at 32 Weeks of Gestation.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Yuri; Miura, Kiyonori; Higashijima, Ai; Abe, Shuhei; Miura, Shoko; Yoshiura, Koh-ichiro; Masuzaki, Hideaki

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to clarify the association between placenta previa and circulating levels of cell-free pregnancy-associated placenta-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in maternal plasma. Twenty singleton pregnancies with placenta previa (placenta previa group) and 26 uncomplicated pregnancies (control group) were recruited. Blood sampling was performed at 32 weeks of gestation, and cesarean delivery in all cases of placenta previa was performed at a mean gestational age of 37 weeks. The maternal plasma concentrations of cell-free pregnancy-associated placenta-specific miRNAs (miR-517a and miR-518b) were measured by absolute quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Plasma concentrations of cell-free miR-517a were significantly higher in the placenta previa group than that in the control group (P = .011), while the plasma concentration of cell-free miR-518b was significantly lower in the placenta previa group than that in the control group (P = .004). Plasma concentrations of cell-free miR-517a in placenta previa were significantly higher in placenta previa with alert bleeding later group than those in placenta previa without alert bleeding group or control group (P = .030 or .047, respectively) and correlated with the volume of hemorrhage at delivery (R and P value: .512 and .025). Plasma concentrations of cell-free miR-517a and miR-518b at 32 weeks of gestation were altered in pregnant women with placenta previa, and the circulating level of cell-free miR-517a in placenta previa may be a predictive marker for the risks of alert bleeding later and massive hemorrhage at delivery. © The Author(s) 2015.

Mild hypercholesterolemia, normal plasma triglycerides, and normal glucose levels across dementia staging in Alzheimer's disease: a clinical setting-based retrospective study.

PubMed

Ramdane, Said; Daoudi-Gueddah, Doria

2011-08-01

We examined retrospectively the concurrent relationships between fasting plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), in a clinical setting-based study. Total cholesterol level was higher in patients with AD compared to elderly controls; triglycerides or glucose levels did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Respective plotted trajectories of change in cholesterol level across age were fairly parallel. No significant difference in total cholesterol levels was recorded between patients with AD classified by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score subgroups. These results suggest that patients with AD have relative mild total hypercholesterolemia, normal triglyceridemia, and normal fasting plasma glucose level. Mild total hypercholesterolemia seems to be permanent across age, and across dementia severity staging, and fairly parallels the trajectory of age-related change in total cholesterolemia of healthy controls. We speculate that these biochemical parameters pattern may be present long before-a decade at least-the symptomatic onset of the disease.

[Copper intake and blood levels as risk factors for atheromatous disease].

PubMed

Albala, C; Salazar, G; Vío, F; Araya, F; Feuerhacke, W; Olivares, S; Alvarez, G

1997-08-01

Copper is part of antioxidant enzymes and could have a cardiovascular protective effect. A higher cardiovascular risk has been associated with high as well as low plasma copper levels. To search for differences in copper intake and plasma levels between patients with coronary artery or cerebrovascular diseases and normal subjects. Zinc and copper intake, plasma levels and serum lipid levels were measured in 20 patients with cerebrovascular disease, 20 patients with an acute myocardial infarction and 40 subjects hospitalized for elective surgery, that served as controls. Copper and zinc intake was below recommended allowances in all subjects. Serum zinc and copper levels did not differ in the three study groups. In patients with myocardial infarction a weak correlation was found between serum copper and total cholesterol (r = 0.24; p < 0.05) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.31; p < 0.05). No differences in copper levels were found in subjects with atherosclerosis and controls. The correlation between serum copper and cholesterol deserves further investigation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the interplay with exercise and noninvasive ventilation.

PubMed

Carilho, Rita; de Carvalho, Mamede; Swash, Michael; Pinto, Susana; Pinto, Anabela; Costa, Júlia

2014-04-01

We evaluated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with reference to the effects of respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and exercise. We studied plasma VEGF levels in 83 ALS patients, 20 healthy controls, and 10 patients with other disorders. There were 4 groups of ALS patients: G1, 27 patients without respiratory problems; G2, 14 patients stabilized on nocturnal NIV; G3, 30 patients presenting with respiratory failure; G4, 12 patients on an aerobic exercise protocol. VEGF plasma levels did not differ significantly between ALS patients and controls, or between ALS groups. In G3, the mean VEGF levels increased 75% during NIV. In G4, the mean VEGF level increased by 300% during the exercise program. VEGF levels did not change during the course of the disease. VEGF levels in ALS depend on changes in ventilation and exercise but are probably not affected by the disease process itself. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationships between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor, plasma catecholamine metabolites, cytokines, cognitive function and clinical symptoms in Japanese patients with chronic schizophrenia treated with atypical antipsychotic monotherapy.

PubMed

Hori, Hikaru; Yoshimura, Reiji; Katsuki, Asuka; Atake, Kiyokazu; Igata, Ryohei; Konishi, Yuki; Nakamura, Jun

2017-08-01

Catecholamines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between serum BDNF levels, plasma catecholamine metablolites, cytokines and the cognitive functions of patients with schizophrenia treated with atypical antipsychotic monotherapy. One hundred and forty-six patients with schizophrenia and 51 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were examined for peripheral biological markers and neurocognitive test. There were positive correlations between serum BDNF levels and scores for verbal memory and attention and processing speed as well as between serum BDNF levels and negative symptoms. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) level and motor function and a positive correlation between the plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) level and attention and processing speed. There were no significant correlations between interleukin-6 or tumour necrosis factor alpha and cognitive function. Moreover, there were no significant correlations between the plasma levels of HVA, MHPG, cytokines and clinical symptoms. Serum BDNF levels are positively related to the impairment of verbal memory and attention, plasma HVA levels are positively related to motor function, and plasma MHPG levels are positively related to attention in patients with schizophrenia.

Acute organo-phosphorus pesticide poisoning in North Karnataka, India: oxidative damage, haemoglobin level and total leukocyte.

PubMed

Hundekari, I A; Suryakar, A N; Rathi, D B

2013-03-01

Pesticide poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in India. To assess the oxidative damage, hemoglobin level and leukocyte count in acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Plasma cholinesterase was assessed as a toxicity marker. Oxidative damage was assessed by estimating serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Progressive and significant decline (p< 0.001) in plasma cholinesterase in correlation with the severity of organophosphorus poisoning was observed. Serum MDA levels significantly increased (p< 0.001) in all grades of organophosphorus poisoning cases as compared to controls. Erythrocyte SOD, CAT and GPx were significantly increased (p< 0.05) in earlier grade and (p< 0.001) in later grades of organophosphorus poisoning cases as compared to controls. While plasma TAC (p<0.001) was significantly decreased in all grades of organophosphorus poisoning cases as compared to controls. Leucocytosis observed in these cases signifies the activation of defense mechanism which could be a positive response for survival. Organophosphorus compounds inhibit cholinesterase action leading to cholinergic hyperactivity. Increased MDA level may lead to peroxidative damages deteriorating the structural and functional integrity of neuronal membrane. Increased erythrocyte SOD, CAT and GPx activities suggest an adaptive measure to tackle the pesticide accumulation. Hence it is concluded that cholinesterase inhibition may initiate cellular dysfunction leading to acetylcholine induced oxidative damage.

Pathogenesis of chronic cluster headache and bouts: role of tryptamine, arginine metabolism and α1-agonists.

PubMed

D'Andrea, G; Bussone, G; Di Fiore, P; Perini, F; Gucciardi, A; Bolner, A; Aguggia, M; Saracco, G; Galloni, E; Giordano, G; Leon, A

2017-05-01

The aim of this study was to explore the possible role of tryptamine in the pathogenesis of chronic cluster headache along with that of adrenaline and noradrenaline (α-agonists) together with arginine metabolism in the origin of cluster bouts. Plasma levels of tyramine, tryptamine, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid, noradrenalin, adrenalin and the markers of arginine metabolism such as arginine, homoarginine, citrulline, ADMA and NMMA, were measured in 23 chronic cluster headache patients (10 chronic cluster ab initio and 13 transformed from episodic cluster) and 28 control subjects. The plasma levels of tyramine, tryptamine, noradrenalin and adrenalin were found several times higher in chronic cluster headache patients compared to controls, whereas the plasma levels of arginine, homoarginine and citrulline were significantly lower. No differences were found in the plasma levels of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindolacetic, ADMA and NMMA between chronic cluster headache patients and control subjects. These results provide support for a role of tryptamine in the pathogenesis of chronic cluster headache and, in particular, in the duration of the cluster bouts. In addition, the low levels of the nitric oxide substrates together with the high levels of noradrenalin and adrenalin suggest an activation of endothelial TAAR1 receptors followed by the release of nitric oxide in the circulation that may constitute the final step of the physiopathology of cluster crisis.

Effects of Aflatoxin B1 and Fumonisin B1 on Blood Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

PubMed Central

Tessari, Eliana N. C.; Kobashigawa, Estela; Cardoso, Ana Lúcia S. P.; Ledoux, David R.; Rottinghaus, George E.; Oliveira, Carlos A. F.

2010-01-01

The individual and combined effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) on liver pathology, serum levels of aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and plasma total protein (TP) of broilers were evaluated from 8 to 41 days of age. Dietary treatments included a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three levels of AFB1 (0, 50 and 200 μg AFB1/kg), and three levels of FB1 (0, 50 and 200 mg FB1/kg). At 33 days post feeding, with the exception of birds fed 50 mg FB1 only, concentrations of AST were higher (p < 0.05) in all other treatment groups when compared with controls. Plasma TP was lower (p < 0.05) at six days post feeding in groups fed 200 μg AFB1/kg alone or in combination with FB1. At day 33 days post feeding, with the exception of birds fed the highest combination of AFB1 and FB1 which had higher plasma TP than control birds, plasma TP of birds fed other dietary treatments were similar to controls. Broilers receiving the highest levels of AFB1 and FB1 had bile duct proliferation and trabecular disorder in liver samples. AFB1 singly or in combination with FB at the levels studied, caused liver damage and an increase in serum levels of AST. PMID:22069595

Effects of chromium-enriched bacillus subtilis KT260179 supplementation on chicken growth performance, plasma lipid parameters, tissue chromium levels, cecal bacterial composition and breast meat quality.

PubMed

Yang, Jiajun; Qian, Kun; Zhang, Wei; Xu, Yayuan; Wu, Yijing

2016-11-08

Both chromium (Cr) and probiotic bacillus own the virtues of regulating animal metabolism and meat quality. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of supplemental Cr and bacillus in the form of chromium-enriched Bacillus subtilis KT260179 (CEBS) on chicken growth performance, plasma lipid parameters, tissue chromium levels, cecal bacterial composition and breast meat quality. Six hundred of 1-day-old Chinese Huainan Partridge chickens were divided into four groups randomly: Control, inorganic Cr, Bacillus subtilis, and CEBS. The feed duration was 56 days. After 28 days of treatment, broiler feed CEBS or normal B. subtilis had higher body weights than control broiler, and after 56 days, chickens given either CEBS or B. subtilis had greater body weights than control broiler or those given inorganic Cr. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels declined significantly in the CEBS group compared with the control, whereas plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased significantly. The concentration of Cr in blood and breast muscle increased after CEBS and inorganic Cr supplementation. B. subtilis and CEBS supplementation caused a significant increase in the numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecum, while the numbers of Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased significantly compared to the control. Feed adding CEBS increased the lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast meat, improved the water-holding capacity, decreased the shear force and cooking loss. In all, CEBS supplementation promoted body growth, improved plasma lipid parameters, increased tissue Cr concentrations, altered cecal bacterial composition and improved breast meat quality.

Altered metabolites in the plasma of autism spectrum disorder: a capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectroscopy study.

PubMed

Kuwabara, Hitoshi; Yamasue, Hidenori; Koike, Shinsuke; Inoue, Hideyuki; Kawakubo, Yuki; Kuroda, Miho; Takano, Yosuke; Iwashiro, Norichika; Natsubori, Tatsunobu; Aoki, Yuta; Kano, Yukiko; Kasai, Kiyoto

2013-01-01

Clinical diagnosis and severity of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are determined by trained clinicians based on clinical evaluations of observed behaviors. As such, this approach is inevitably dependent on the expertise and subjective assessment of those administering the clinical evaluations. There is a need to identify objective biological markers associated with diagnosis or clinical severity of the disorder. To identify novel candidate metabolites as potential biomarkers for ASD, the current study applied capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (CE-TOFMS) for high-throughput profiling of metabolite levels in the plasma of 25 psychotropic-naïve adult males with high-functioning ASD and 28 age-matched typically-developed control subjects. Ten ASD participants and ten age-matched controls were assigned in the first exploration set, while 15 ASD participants and 18 controls were included in the second replication set. By CE-TOFMS analysis, a total of 143 metabolites were detected in the plasma of the first set. Of these, 17 metabolites showed significantly different relative areas between the ASD participants and the controls (p<0.05). Of the 17 metabolites, we consistently found that the ASD participants had significantly high plasma levels of arginine (p = 0.024) and taurine (p = 0.018), and significantly low levels of 5-oxoproline (p<0.001) and lactic acid (p = 0.031) compared with the controls in the second sample set. Further confirmatory analysis using quantification of absolute metabolite concentrations supported the robustness of high arginine (p = 0.001) and low lactic acid (p = 0.003) in the combined sample (n = 53). The present study identified deviated plasma metabolite levels associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in individuals with ASD.

Altered Metabolites in the Plasma of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Capillary Electrophoresis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy Study

PubMed Central

Kuwabara, Hitoshi; Yamasue, Hidenori; Koike, Shinsuke; Inoue, Hideyuki; Kawakubo, Yuki; Kuroda, Miho; Takano, Yosuke; Iwashiro, Norichika; Natsubori, Tatsunobu; Aoki, Yuta; Kano, Yukiko; Kasai, Kiyoto

2013-01-01

Clinical diagnosis and severity of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are determined by trained clinicians based on clinical evaluations of observed behaviors. As such, this approach is inevitably dependent on the expertise and subjective assessment of those administering the clinical evaluations. There is a need to identify objective biological markers associated with diagnosis or clinical severity of the disorder. To identify novel candidate metabolites as potential biomarkers for ASD, the current study applied capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (CE-TOFMS) for high-throughput profiling of metabolite levels in the plasma of 25 psychotropic-naïve adult males with high-functioning ASD and 28 age-matched typically-developed control subjects. Ten ASD participants and ten age-matched controls were assigned in the first exploration set, while 15 ASD participants and 18 controls were included in the second replication set. By CE-TOFMS analysis, a total of 143 metabolites were detected in the plasma of the first set. Of these, 17 metabolites showed significantly different relative areas between the ASD participants and the controls (p<0.05). Of the 17 metabolites, we consistently found that the ASD participants had significantly high plasma levels of arginine (p = 0.024) and taurine (p = 0.018), and significantly low levels of 5-oxoproline (p<0.001) and lactic acid (p = 0.031) compared with the controls in the second sample set. Further confirmatory analysis using quantification of absolute metabolite concentrations supported the robustness of high arginine (p = 0.001) and low lactic acid (p = 0.003) in the combined sample (n = 53). The present study identified deviated plasma metabolite levels associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in individuals with ASD. PMID:24058493

Plasma nitrate and nitrite are increased by a high nitrate supplement, but not by high nitrate foods in older adults

PubMed Central

Miller, Gary D.; Marsh, Anthony P.; Dove, Robin W.; Beavers, Daniel; Presley, Tennille; Helms, Christine; Bechtold, Erika; King, S. Bruce; Kim-Shapiro, Daniel

2012-01-01

Little is known about the effect of dietary nitrate on the nitrate/nitrite/NO (nitric oxide) cycle in older adults. We examined the effect of a 3-day control diet vs. high nitrate diet, with and without a high nitrate supplement (beetroot juice), on plasma nitrate and nitrite kinetics, and blood pressure using a randomized four period cross-over controlled design. We hypothesized that the high nitrate diet would show higher levels of plasma nitrate/nitrite and blood pressure compared to the control diet, which would be potentiated by the supplement. Participants were eight normotensive older men and women (5 female, 3 male, 72.5±4.7 yrs) with no overt disease or medications that affect NO metabolism. Plasma nitrate and nitrite levels and blood pressure were measured prior to and hourly for 3 hours after each meal. The mean daily changes in plasma nitrate and nitrite were significantly different from baseline for both control diet+supplement (p<0.001 and =0.017 for nitrate and nitrite, respectively) and high nitrate diet+supplement (p=0.001 and 0.002), but not for control diet (p=0.713 and 0.741) or high nitrate diet (p=0.852 and 0.500). Blood pressure decreased from the morning baseline measure to the three 2 hr post-meal follow-up time-points for all treatments, but there was no main effect for treatment. In healthy older adults, a high nitrate supplement consumed at breakfast elevated plasma nitrate and nitrite levels throughout the day. This observation may have practical utility for the timing of intake of a nitrate supplement with physical activity for older adults with vascular dysfunction. PMID:22464802

Uptake and depletion of plasma 17alpha-methyltestosterone during induction of masculinization in muskellunge, Esox masquinongy: effect on plasma steroids and sex reversal.

PubMed

Rinchard, J; Dabrowski, K; Garcia-Abiado, M A; Ottobre, J

1999-08-01

Oral administration of 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) was used to induce masculinization of sexually undifferentiated muskellunge, Esox masquinongy. Three groups of muskellunge (mean weight, 2.5 +/- 0.6 g) were submitted to MT treatment (15 mg of MT/kg) for 60 days. An additional one group was used as a control (hormone-free diet). Food was distributed over a 10-h period by using automatic belt feeders. Blood was sampled in both control and treated fish at different intervals during and after feeding: before (0 h), at 3 h, 6 h, and cessation of feeding (10 h), and after a fast of 22 h (32 h). MT had no significant effect on growth and survival in muskellunge 6 months after the treatment. Concentrations of plasma MT increased during the feeding period and reached their maximum levels 6 or 10 h after starting feeding. This rapid increase of MT indicated a rapid absorption of this steroid. Plasma MT levels then declined and reached a radir by 22 h after cessation of feeding, suggesting that MT is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The profiles of plasma testosterone during the MT treatment did not differ significantly between control and MT-treated groups. During and after the MT treatment, the concentration of plasma testosterone did not differ significantly between control and MT-treated groups. Moreover, no sexual dimorphism of testosterone levels was observed. Six months after treatment, the sex ratio in MT-treated groups (33% males, 62% females, and 5% intersex) was opposite to control (70% and 30%, respectively) and differed significantly. This suggests that at 15 mg of MT/kg over 60 days, a paradoxical feminization took place.

Mothers of Autistic Children: Lower Plasma Levels of Oxytocin and Arg-Vasopressin and a Higher Level of Testosterone

PubMed Central

Xu, Xin-Jie; Shou, Xiao-Jing; Li, Jin; Jia, Mei-Xiang; Zhang, Ji-Shui; Guo, Yan; Wei, Qing-Yun; Zhang, Xiu-Ting; Han, Song-Ping; Zhang, Rong; Han, Ji-Sheng

2013-01-01

Background Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder,thought to be caused by a combination of genetic heritability and environmental risk factors. Some autistic-like traits have been reported in mothers of autistic children. We hypothesized that dysregulation of oxytocin (OXT), Arg-vasopressin (AVP) and sex hormones, found in autistic children, may also exist in their mothers. Methods We determined plasma levels of OXT (40 in autism vs. 26 in control group), AVP (40 vs. 17) and sex hormones (61 vs. 47) in mothers of autistic and normal children by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively and investigated their relationships with the children’s autistic behavior scores (Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC)). Results Significantly lower plasma concentrations of OXT (p<0.001) and AVP (p<0.001), as well as a higher level of plasma testosterone (p<0.05), were found in mothers of autistic children vs. those of control. The children’s autistic behavior scores were negatively associated with maternal plasma levels of OXT and AVP. Conclusions These results suggest that dysregulation of OXT, AVP and/or testosterone systems exist in mothers of autistic children, which may impact children’s susceptibility to autism. PMID:24086383

Interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 as a potential biomarker in localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Magee, Kelsey E; Kelsey, Christina E; Kurzinski, Katherine L; Ho, Jonhan; Mlakar, Logan R; Feghali-Bostwick, Carol A; Torok, Kathryn S

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence and levels of interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in the plasma and skin of pediatric localized scleroderma (LS) patients compared to those of healthy pediatric controls and to determine if IP-10 levels correlate to clinical disease activity measures. The presence of IP-10 in the plasma was analyzed using a Luminex panel in 69 pediatric patients with LS and compared to 71 healthy pediatric controls. Of these patients, five had available skin biopsy specimens with concurrent clinical and serological data during the active disease phase, which were used to analyze the presence and location of IP-10 in the skin by immunohistochemistry (IHC). IP-10 levels were significantly elevated in the plasma of LS patients compared to that of healthy controls and correlated to clinical disease activity measures in LS. Immunohistochemistry staining of IP-10 was present in the dermal infiltrate of LS patients and was similar to that found in psoriasis skin specimens, the positive disease control. Elevation of IP-10 levels in the plasma compared to those of healthy controls and the presence of IP-10 staining in the affected skin of LS patients indicates that IP-10 is a potential biomarker in LS. Furthermore, significant elevation of IP-10 in LS patients with active versus inactive disease and correlations between IP-10 levels and standardized disease outcome measures of activity in LS strongly suggest that IP-10 may be a biomarker for disease activity in LS.

Interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 as a potential biomarker in localized scleroderma

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence and levels of interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in the plasma and skin of pediatric localized scleroderma (LS) patients compared to those of healthy pediatric controls and to determine if IP-10 levels correlate to clinical disease activity measures. Methods The presence of IP-10 in the plasma was analyzed using a Luminex panel in 69 pediatric patients with LS and compared to 71 healthy pediatric controls. Of these patients, five had available skin biopsy specimens with concurrent clinical and serological data during the active disease phase, which were used to analyze the presence and location of IP-10 in the skin by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results IP-10 levels were significantly elevated in the plasma of LS patients compared to that of healthy controls and correlated to clinical disease activity measures in LS. Immunohistochemistry staining of IP-10 was present in the dermal infiltrate of LS patients and was similar to that found in psoriasis skin specimens, the positive disease control. Conclusions Elevation of IP-10 levels in the plasma compared to those of healthy controls and the presence of IP-10 staining in the affected skin of LS patients indicates that IP-10 is a potential biomarker in LS. Furthermore, significant elevation of IP-10 in LS patients with active versus inactive disease and correlations between IP-10 levels and standardized disease outcome measures of activity in LS strongly suggest that IP-10 may be a biomarker for disease activity in LS. PMID:24499523

Plasma Homocysteine, Serum Folic Acid, Serum Vitamin B12, Serum Vitamin B6, MTHFR, and Risk of Normal-Tension Glaucoma.

PubMed

Li, Jinmiao; Xu, Fan; Zeng, Rui; Gong, Haijun; Lan, Yuqing

2016-02-01

This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the association between total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, serum folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 levels, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype, and risk of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). A systematic search of the EMBASE and PubMed databases was performed to evaluate plasma tHcy levels, serum folic acid, B vitamins' mean difference, and odds ratios of MTHFR C677T genotype between cases and controls. A total of 7 studies including 458 cases and 555 controls meeting the inclusion criteria were involved in this meta-analysis. There were 4 studies for tHcy (149 cases and 148 controls), 2 studies for vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate (90 cases and 82 controls), and 4 studies for MTHFR (343 cases and 449 controls). Overall, the mean plasma tHcy levels, serum folic acids, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 levels were 1.16 μmol/L [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.13, 2.45], -0.62 μmol/L (95% CI, -1.98, 0.74), 5.81 μmol/L (95% CI, -3.53, 15.14), and -16.79 μmol/L (95% CI, -86.09, 52.51). MTHFR TT genotype was found to be unrelated to NTG risk (odds ratio=1.08; 95% CI, 0.69, 1.69). NTG is not associated with elevated plasma tHcy, serum folic acid, serum vitamin B12, serum vitamin B6, and MTHFR C677T genotype.

Blood and tissue tocopherol levels in rats following intraperitoneally administered alpha-tocopheryl acetate.

PubMed

McGee, C D; Greenwood, C E; Jeejeebhoy, K N

1990-01-01

The correction or maintenance of blood and tissue alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) levels by intraperitoneally administered all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (alpha-Tac) was compared with RRR- alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) in vitamin E-depleted and control rats. Rats received 1.3 TE vitamin E daily for 7 days. alpha-Tac was detected in plasma of one-third of alpha-Tac-treated rats 24 hr after the first treatment, although not in subsequent samplings. Both alpha-Tac and alpha-Toc increased tocopherol levels in plasma and liver of E-deprived rats, while little or no change was observed in adipose tissue and brain. Similarly, control rats treated with alpha-Tac or alpha-Toc had significantly greater (p less than 0.05) plasma and liver alpha-Toc levels at day 3 and day 7 than did saline-treated rats. There was no significant difference in adipose alpha-Toc levels among treatment groups of control rats. The results of this study suggest that alpha-Tac is rapidly hydrolyzed to its biologically active alcohol form and results in similar effects to that of intraperitoneally administered alpha-Toc.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Aldosterone

PubMed Central

Svatikova, Anna; Olson, Lyle J.; Wolk, Robert; Phillips, Bradley G.; Adachi, Taro; Schwartz, Gary L.; Somers, Virend K.

2009-01-01

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major risk factor for hypertension and has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity. A dysregulated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may contribute to excess sodium retention and hypertension and may be activated in OSA. We tested the hypothesis that serum levels of aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) are increased by apneic sleep in subjects without cardiovascular disease, compared to healthy control subjects. Methods and Results: Plasma aldosterone level was measured in 21 subjects with moderate to severe OSA and was compared to 19 closely matched healthy subjects. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured in 19 OSA patients and in 20 healthy controls. Aldosterone and PRA were measured before sleep (9pm), after 5 hrs of untreated OSA (2am) and in the morning after awakening (6am). There were no baseline (9pm) differences in serum aldosterone levels and PRA between the healthy controls and OSA patients (aldosterone: 55.2 ± 9 vs 56.0 ± 9 pg/mL; PRA: 0.99 ± 0.15 vs 1.15 ± 0.15 ng/mL/hr). Neither several hours of untreated severe OSA nor CPAP treatment affected aldosterone levels and PRA in OSA patients. Diurnal variation of both aldosterone and PRA was observed in both groups, in that morning renin and aldosterone levels were higher than those measured at night before sleep. Conclusions: Our study shows that patients with moderate to severe OSA without co-existing cardiovascular disease have plasma aldosterone and renin levels similar to healthy subjects. Neither untreated OSA nor CPAP treatment acutely affect plasma aldosterone or renin levels. Citation: Svatikova A; Olson LJ; Wolk R; Phillips BG; Adachi T; Schwartz GL; Somers VK. Obstructive sleep apnea and aldosterone. SLEEP 2009;32(12):1589-1592. PMID:20041594

Alteration of Antithrombin III and D-dimer Levels in Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Ko, Dong Woo; Park, Juhyun; Kim, In Sung; Doo, Seung Hwan; Yoon, Cheol Yong; Park, Hongzoo; Lee, Won Ki; Kim, Dae Sung; Jeong, Seong Jin; Byun, Seok-Soo; Lee, Sang Eun

2010-01-01

Purpose We performed a comparative analysis of the plasma levels of antithrombin (AT) III, plasminogen, fibrinogen, and D-dimer among patients with and without clinically localized prostate cancer to investigate the clinical significance of the coagulation profile in prostate cancer. Materials and Methods A prospective study was performed in which plasma levels of AT III, plasminogen, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were assessed in patients before they underwent prostate biopsy. According to the results of the biopsy, the patients were categorized into the cancer group or the control group. Levels of the four coagulation factors were then compared between the cancer and control groups. Also, levels of the four coagulation factors were correlated with tumor stage and grade in the cancer group. Results The cancer group had significantly lower levels of AT III activity and higher plasma D-dimer levels than did the control group (p=0.007 and p=0.018, respectively). Within the cancer group, no significant differences were observed in the levels of AT III, plasminogen, fibrinogen, or D-dimer between those with a pathological Gleason score of ≥7 and otherwise. Regarding pathologic stage of prostate cancer, the subjects with organ-confined disease and those with extraprostatic extension of a tumor demonstrated no significant differences in the preoperative levels of the four coagulation factors analyzed. Conclusions Our results suggest that plasma levels of AT III and D-dimer are altered in patients with prostate cancer. Further study is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and clinical significances of such a phenomenon among patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. PMID:20414406

Protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) reduces plasma cholesterol concentrations and atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein E deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet

PubMed Central

Sivak, Olena; Darlington, Jerry; Gershkovich, Pavel; Constantinides, Panayiotis P; Wasan, Kishor M

2009-01-01

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of chronic administration of protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) on the plasma cholesterol levels and development of atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein (ApoE) deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice were divided into the following treatment groups: protonated NSAS 1.4% (w/w), untreated control and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol mixed with high-cholesterol/high-fat diet. Animals were treated for 12 weeks, blood samples were withdrawn every 4 weeks for determination of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. At the end of the study the aortic roots were harvested for assessment of atherosclerotic lesions. NSAS at 1.4% (w/w) and stigmastanol at 2% (w/w) treatment groups showed significant decreases in plasma cholesterol concentrations at all time points relative to the control animals. The lesion sum area in 1.4% (w/w) NSAS and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol groups were significantly less from the control animals. In conclusion, in this study, the effectiveness of chronic administration of protonated NSAS material in the reduction of plasma cholesterol levels and decrease in development of atherosclerotic lesions was demonstrated in Apo-E deficient mice model. PMID:19638223

Protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) reduces plasma cholesterol concentrations and atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein E deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet.

PubMed

Sivak, Olena; Darlington, Jerry; Gershkovich, Pavel; Constantinides, Panayiotis P; Wasan, Kishor M

2009-07-28

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of chronic administration of protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) on the plasma cholesterol levels and development of atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein (ApoE) deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice were divided into the following treatment groups: protonated NSAS 1.4% (w/w), untreated control and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol mixed with high-cholesterol/high-fat diet. Animals were treated for 12 weeks, blood samples were withdrawn every 4 weeks for determination of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. At the end of the study the aortic roots were harvested for assessment of atherosclerotic lesions. NSAS at 1.4% (w/w) and stigmastanol at 2% (w/w) treatment groups showed significant decreases in plasma cholesterol concentrations at all time points relative to the control animals. The lesion sum area in 1.4% (w/w) NSAS and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol groups were significantly less from the control animals. In conclusion, in this study, the effectiveness of chronic administration of protonated NSAS material in the reduction of plasma cholesterol levels and decrease in development of atherosclerotic lesions was demonstrated in Apo-E deficient mice model.

Diet, plasma levels of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol, and risk of malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Stryker, W S; Stampfer, M J; Stein, E A; Kaplan, L; Louis, T A; Sober, A; Willett, W C

1990-04-01

Dietary intake and the plasma levels of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene for 204 cases with malignant melanoma were compared with those of 248 controls. Cases and controls were patients 18 years of age or older making their first visit to a dermatology subspecialty clinic for pigmented lesions from July 1, 1982 to September 1, 1985. Intakes of nutrients were estimated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. No significant associations with malignant melanoma were observed for higher plasma levels of lycopene, retinol, or alpha-carotene in logistic regression analyses after controlling for age, sex, plasma lipids, and known constitutional risk factors (hair color and ability to tan). In similar models, the odds ratio comparing the highest with the lowest quintile was 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5-1.5) for plasma beta-carotene, 0.7 (95% CI 0.5-1.3) for plasma alpha-tocopherol, 0.7 (95% CI 0.4-1.2) for carotene intake, and 0.7 (95% CI 0.4-1.3) for total vitamin E intake. A trend toward reduced risk of melanoma was observed for increasing intake of iron (not including supplements); this was related to the more frequent consumption of baked goods, such as cake, among controls. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with risk of melanoma (chi for trend = 2.1, p = 0.03); the odds ratio for consumption of over 10 g/day compared with persons with no alcohol intake was 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-3.3).

Association of Nitric Oxide Levels and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase G894T Polymorphism with Coronary Artery Disease in the Iranian Population

PubMed Central

Mahmoodi, Khalil; Nasehi, Leila; Karami, Elham; Soltanpour, Mohammad Soleiman

2016-01-01

Purpose: The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T polymorphism has been reported to cause endothelial dysfunction and may have a role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of eNOS G894T genetic polymorphism and plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO) with CAD risk in an Iranian population. Materials and Methods: We studied 200 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 100 matched controls. Analysis of G894T genetic polymorphism of eNOS was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Plasma levels of NO were determined using Griess method. Biochemical analysis was conducted by routine colorimetric methods. Results: Plasma levels of NO were significantly lower in CAD patients than control subjects (41.60±12.70 vs. 55.48±16.57, P=0.001). Also, the mean plasma levels of NO were significantly lower in T allele carriers of eNOS G894T polymorphism than G allele carriers (P<0.001). The genotype distribution and minor T allele frequency of eNOS G894T polymorphism significantly differed between CAD patients and control subjects (P<0.05). However, no significant association was found between the eNOS G894T polymorphism and the severity of CAD (number of diseased vessel) or the lipid profile of CAD patients (P>0.05). Conclusion: Reduced plasma level of NO is associated with increased risk of CAD in our population. Moreover, eNOS G894T polymorphism is a significant risk factor for CAD development via reducing the plasma levels of NO. However, eNOS G894T polymorphism is not a contributing factor for the severity of CAD. PMID:27699157

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in children with autism and its impact on plasma levels of arginine-vasopressin and oxytocin: a prospective single-blinded controlled study.

PubMed

Zhang, Rong; Jia, Mei-Xiang; Zhang, Ji-Sui; Xu, Xin-Jie; Shou, Xiao-Jing; Zhang, Xiu-Ting; Li, Li; Li, Ning; Han, Song-Ping; Han, Ji-Sheng

2012-01-01

Acupuncture increases brain levels of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT), which are known to be involved in the modulation of mammalian social behavior. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is often used clinically to produce a similar stimulation to that of acupuncture on the acupoints. In the present study, TEAS was applied to children with autism to assess its therapeutic efficacy. Seventy-six autistic children receiving rehabilitation training were divided into 2 groups: a treatment group receiving TEAS 30min per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks (n=37) and a control group without TEAS treatment (n=39). A series of rating scales was used in outcome assessment. Plasma levels of AVP and OXT were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) before and after treatment. The TEAS group showed a significant improvement over the control in their emotional response, fear or anxiety, level/consistency of intellective relations and general impressions on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) as well as improvements in the sensory and related factors in the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). In addition, the varieties of accepted food increased after TEAS treatment. It appears that TEAS was effective in autistic children who showed passive and aloof behavior, but not in those who were active but odd. The plasma level of AVP was significantly higher in the TEAS group than in the control group after the intervention. In addition, the change in the plasma AVP level paralleled the improvement of some of the behavior factors in CARS, including adaptation to environmental change, listening response, perceptive response and fear or anxiety. It is concluded that TEAS is effective for the treatment of autistic children with a passive and aloof social interaction style. Changes in plasma levels of AVP and possibly OXT may be involved in mediating the therapeutic effect of TEAS. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of hormone therapy on plasma homocysteine levels: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Tutuncu, Levent; Ergur, Ali Rustu; Mungen, Ercument; Gun, Ismet; Ertekin, Aktug; Yergok, Yusuf Ziya

2005-03-01

An elevated plasma homocysteine level is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hormone therapy (HT) may reduce fasting plasma homocysteine levels. We studied 80 postmenopausal women to determine the effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) combined with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on fasting plasma homocysteine levels. In a randomized, double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study, we randomly assigned 80 healthy postmenopausal women between CEE 0.625 mg/d combined with MPA 2.5 mg/d (n = 20), CEE 0.625 mg/d combined with MPA 5 mg/d (n = 20), unopposed CEE 0.625 mg/d (n = 20), and placebo (n = 20) all given for a duration of 6 months. Fasting plasma homocysteine levels were measured before and at the end of the treatment. Before treatment, plasma homocysteine concentrations were similar in all groups. After 6 months of unopposed CEE, the mean fasting plasma homocysteine levels decreased by 19.02% when compared with baseline levels (P < 0.05). The mean fasting plasma homocysteine concentrations decreased by 17.63% and 19.56% from baseline in both the CEE plus MPA 2.5 mg/d and CEE plus MPA 5 mg/d groups, respectively (P < 0.05 for each group). In contrast, plasma homocysteine levels increased by 11.66% in the placebo group. The homocysteine lowering effect did not differ significantly among the three groups of women receiving unopposed CEE alone and CEE plus MPA at two different doses. Six months of estrogen therapy (ET) and combined estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) significantly lower fasting plasma homocysteine levels in healthy postmenopausal women with equal efficacy.

Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation.

PubMed

Arni, D; Wildhaber, B E; McLin, V; Rimensberger, P C; Ansari, M; Fontana, P; Karam, O

2018-05-15

Thrombotic complications affect 3-10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life-threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro-coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro-thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT. Prospective single-centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24-month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non-inferiority hypothesis. The median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85-paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18). Plasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population. © 2018 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Plasma metabolic profiling of dairy cows affected with clinical ketosis using LC/MS technology.

PubMed

Li, Y; Xu, C; Xia, C; Zhang, Hy; Sun, Lw; Gao, Y

2014-01-01

Ketosis in dairy cattle is an important metabolic disorder. Currently, the plasma metabolic profile of ketosis as determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has not been reported. To investigate plasma metabolic profiles from cows with clinical ketosis in comparison to control cows. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were divided into two groups based on clinical signs and plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid and glucose concentrations 7-21 days postpartum: clinical ketosis and control cows. Plasma metabolic profiles were analyzed using LC/MS. Data were processed using principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Compared to control cows, the levels of valine, glycine, glycocholic, tetradecenoic acid, and palmitoleic acid increased significantly in clinical ketosis. On the other hand, the levels of arginine, aminobutyric acid, leucine/isoleucine, tryptophan, creatinine, lysine, norcotinine, and undecanoic acid decreased markedly. Our results showed that the metabolic changes in cows with clinical ketosis involve complex metabolic networks and signal transduction. These results are important for future studies elucidating the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention of clinical ketosis in dairy cows.

Clinical Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Are Better Associated to Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Blood Mononuclear Cells Rather than in Plasma

PubMed Central

Cano-García, Francisco J.; De Miguel, Manuel; Carrión, Angel M.; Navas, Plácido; Sánchez Alcázar, José A.

2011-01-01

Background We examined lipid peroxidation (LPO) in blood mononuclear cells (BMCs) and plasma, as a marker of oxidative damage, and its association to clinical symptoms in Fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Methods We conducted a case–control and correlational study comparing 65 patients and 45 healthy controls. Clinical parameters were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), visual analogues scales (VAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Oxidative stress was determined by measuring LPO in BMCs and plasma. Results We found increased LPO levels in BMCs and plasma from FM patients as compared to normal control (P<0.001). A significant correlation between LPO in BMCs and clinical parameters was observed (r = 0.584, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.823, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.875, P<0.01 for depression in the BDI). We also found a positive correlation between LPO in plasma and clinical symptoms (r = 0.452, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.578, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.579, P<0.001 for depression in the BDI). Partial correlation analysis controlling for age and BMI, and sex, showed that both LPO in cells and plasma were independently associated to clinical symptoms. However, LPO in cells, but not LPO in plasma, was independently associated to clinical symptoms when controlling for depression (BDI scores). Discussion The results of this study suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and that LPO in BMCs rather than LPO in plasma is better associated to clinical symptoms in FM. PMID:22046409

Intake of kale suppresses postprandial increases in plasma glucose: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

PubMed Central

Kondo, Sumio; Suzuki, Asahi; Kurokawa, Mihoko; Hasumi, Keiji

2016-01-01

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), a vegetable in the family Brassicaceae, has beneficial effects on health, including hypoglycemic effects. In our previous study with a limited number of subjects, intake of kale-containing food at a dose of 14 g decreased postprandial plasma glucose levels. In the present study, the effective dose of kale-containing food was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The trial was conducted on 42 Japanese subjects aged 21–64 years with fasting plasma glucose levels of ≤125 mg/dl and 30-min postprandial plasma glucose levels of 140–187 mg/dl. The subjects consumed placebo or kale-containing food [7 or 14 g; low-dose (active-L) or high-dose (active-H) kale, respectively] together with a high-carbohydrate meal. At 30–120 min after the test meal intake, the plasma levels of glucose and insulin were determined. The postprandial plasma glucose levels in subjects with intake of active-L or active-H were significantly lower than those in subjects with intake of placebo, with the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax; 163±24 mg/dl for active-L and 162±23 mg/dl for active-H compared with 176±26 mg/dl for placebo [values presented as means ± standard deviation (SD); P<0.01]. The area under the plasma glucose concentration-time curve for 0–2 h (AUC0–2 h) values (means ± SD) were significantly lower for active-L (268±43 mg/h/dl) and active-H (266±42 mg/h/dl) than for the placebo (284±43 mg/h/dl; P<0.05). No significant differences were identified in the postprandial plasma insulin levels between the three conditions. No adverse events associated with intake of either dose of kale were observed. Our findings suggest that intake of kale suppresses postprandial increases in plasma glucose levels at a single dose of 7 g, and that a dose as high as 14 g is safe. PMID:27882216

Intake of kale suppresses postprandial increases in plasma glucose: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

PubMed

Kondo, Sumio; Suzuki, Asahi; Kurokawa, Mihoko; Hasumi, Keiji

2016-11-01

Kale ( Brassica oleracea var. acephala ), a vegetable in the family Brassicaceae, has beneficial effects on health, including hypoglycemic effects. In our previous study with a limited number of subjects, intake of kale-containing food at a dose of 14 g decreased postprandial plasma glucose levels. In the present study, the effective dose of kale-containing food was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The trial was conducted on 42 Japanese subjects aged 21-64 years with fasting plasma glucose levels of ≤125 mg/dl and 30-min postprandial plasma glucose levels of 140-187 mg/dl. The subjects consumed placebo or kale-containing food [7 or 14 g; low-dose (active-L) or high-dose (active-H) kale, respectively] together with a high-carbohydrate meal. At 30-120 min after the test meal intake, the plasma levels of glucose and insulin were determined. The postprandial plasma glucose levels in subjects with intake of active-L or active-H were significantly lower than those in subjects with intake of placebo, with the maximum plasma concentration (C max ; 163±24 mg/dl for active-L and 162±23 mg/dl for active-H compared with 176±26 mg/dl for placebo [values presented as means ± standard deviation (SD); P<0.01]. The area under the plasma glucose concentration-time curve for 0-2 h (AUC 0-2 h ) values (means ± SD) were significantly lower for active-L (268±43 mg/h/dl) and active-H (266±42 mg/h/dl) than for the placebo (284±43 mg/h/dl; P<0.05). No significant differences were identified in the postprandial plasma insulin levels between the three conditions. No adverse events associated with intake of either dose of kale were observed. Our findings suggest that intake of kale suppresses postprandial increases in plasma glucose levels at a single dose of 7 g, and that a dose as high as 14 g is safe.

Clinical Implication of Plasma Hydrogen Sulfide Levels in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Suzuki, Kunihiro; Sagara, Masaaki; Aoki, Chie; Tanaka, Seiichi; Aso, Yoshimasa

Objective The goal of the present study was to investigate the plasma hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, as the plasma H 2 S levels in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes remain unclear. Methods The plasma H 2 S levels were measured in 154 outpatients with type 2 diabetes and 66 outpatients without diabetes. All blood samples were collected in the outpatient department from 09:00 to 10:00. The patients had fasted from 21:00 the previous evening and had not consumed alcohol or caffeine or smoked until sample collection. The plasma H 2 S levels were measured using the methylene blue assay. The plasma H 2 S levels were determined in triplicate, and the average concentrations were calculated against a calibration curve of sodium sulfide. Results The patients with type 2 diabetes showed a progressive reduction in the plasma H 2 S levels (45.115.5 M versus 54.026.4 M, p<0.05), which paralleled poor glycemic control. There was a significant correlation between a reduction in the plasma H 2 S levels and the HbA1c levels (=-0.505, p<0.01), Furthermore, a reduction in the plasma H 2 S levels was found to be related to a history of cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes (39.913.8 M versus 47.515.9 M, p<0.01). Conclusion Collectively, the plasma H 2 S levels were reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes, which may have implications in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. The trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN no. #000020549).

Elevated Plasma IL-6 Associates with Increased Risk of Advanced Fibrosis and Cholangiocarcinoma in Individuals Infected by Opisthorchis viverrini

PubMed Central

Sripa, Banchob; Thinkhamrop, Bandit; Mairiang, Eimorn; Laha, Thewarach; Kaewkes, Sasithorn; Sithithaworn, Paiboon; Periago, Maria Victoria; Bhudhisawasdi, Vajarabhongsa; Yonglitthipagon, Ponlapat; Mulvenna, Jason; Brindley, Paul J.; Loukas, Alex; Bethony, Jeffrey M.

2012-01-01

Opisthorchis viverrini is considered among the most important of the food-borne trematodes due to its strong association with advanced periductal fibrosis and bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). We investigated the relationship between plasma levels of Interleukin (IL)-6 and the risk of developing advanced fibrosis and bile duct cancer from chronic Opisthorchis infection. We show that IL-6 circulates in plasma at concentrations 58 times higher in individuals with advanced fibrosis than age, sex, and nearest-neighbor matched controls and 221 times higher in individuals with bile duct cancer than controls. We also observed a dose-response relationship between increasing levels of plasma IL-6 and increasing risk of advanced fibrosis and bile duct cancer; for example, in age and sex adjusted analyses, individuals with the highest quartiles of plasma IL-6 had a 19 times greater risk of developing advanced periductal fibrosis and a 150 times greater risk of developing of bile duct cancer than individuals with no detectable level of plasma IL-6. Finally, we show that a single plasma IL-6 measurement has excellent positive predictive value for the detection of both advanced bile duct fibrosis and bile duct cancer in regions with high O. viverrini transmission. These data support our hypothesis that common mechanisms drive bile duct fibrosis and bile duct tumorogenesis from chronic O. viverrini infection. Our study also adds a unique aspect to the literature on circulating levels of IL-6 as an immune marker of hepatobiliary pathology by showing that high levels of circulating IL-6 in plasma are not related to infection with O. viverrini, but to the development of the advanced and often lethal pathologies resulting from chronic O. viverrini infection. PMID:22629477

Elevated Plasma Levels of Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Parallel with the Disease Severity.

PubMed

Nishijima, Tsuguo; Tajima, Kazuki; Yamashiro, Yoshihiro; Hosokawa, Keisuke; Suwabe, Akira; Takahashi, Kazuhiro; Sakurai, Shigeru

2016-04-01

(Pro)renin receptor ((P)RR), a receptor for renin and prorenin, is implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and their complications. Soluble (P)RR (s(P)RR) is composed of extracellular domain of (P)RR and thus exists in blood. We have reported that plasma concentrations of s(P)RR were elevated in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of the present study was to clarify the difference in plasma s(P)RR concentrations between male and female OSAS patients. Plasma s(P)RR concentrations were studied in 289 subjects (206 males and 83 females) consisting of 259 OSAS patients and 30 non-OSAS control subjects. The 259 OSAS patients were classified into mild (5 ≤ apnea hypopnea index (AHI) < 15 events/h), moderate (15 ≤ AHI < 30), and severe OSAS (AHI ≥ 30). Plasma s(P)RR levels were significantly elevated in all three OSAS groups compared to non-OSAS control subjects (AHI < 5) in the entire cohort and male subjects, whereas in female subjects, the significant elevation was found only in severe OSAS. Plasma s(P)RR levels were significantly correlated with AHI in both sexes, with a higher r value found in male subjects (male r = 0.413, p < 0.0001; female r = 0.263, p < 0.05). Importantly, when OSAS patients (26 males and 15 females) with AHI ≥ 20 underwent continuous positive airway pressure treatment, plasma s(P)RR levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, plasma s(P)RR levels are elevated in both male and female OSAS patients in parallel with the disease severity.

Upregulation of Glycolytic Enzymes, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Increased Cytotoxicity in Glial Cells Treated with Alzheimer’s Disease Plasma

PubMed Central

Jayasena, Tharusha; Poljak, Anne; Braidy, Nady; Smythe, George; Raftery, Mark; Hill, Mark; Brodaty, Henry; Trollor, Julian; Kochan, Nicole; Sachdev, Perminder

2015-01-01

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Markers of increased protein, lipid and nucleic acid oxidation and reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes have been reported in AD plasma. Amyloid plaques in the AD brain elicit a range of reactive inflammatory responses including complement activation and acute phase reactions, which may also be reflected in plasma. Previous studies have shown that human AD plasma may be cytotoxic to cultured cells. We investigated the effect of pooled plasma (n = 20 each) from healthy controls, individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on cultured microglial cells. AD plasma and was found to significantly decrease cell viability and increase glycolytic flux in microglia compared to plasma from healthy controls. This effect was prevented by the heat inactivation of complement. Proteomic methods and isobaric tags (iTRAQ) found the expression level of complement and other acute phase proteins to be altered in MCI and AD plasma and an upregulation of key enzymes involved in the glycolysis pathway in cells exposed to AD plasma. Altered expression levels of acute phase reactants in AD plasma may alter the energy metabolism of glia. PMID:25785936

IL-23 plasma level is strongly associated with CMV status and reactivation of CMV in renal transplant recipients.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Mahmoud; Lahdou, Imad; Opelz, Gerhard; Mehrabi, Arianeb; Zeier, Martin; Schnitzler, Paul; Daniel, Volker

2016-10-03

Cytomegalovirus seropositivity is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in patients with ESRD. Donor CMV seropositivity is associated with higher graft loss. Dendritic cells, macrophages and Th17 lymphocytes are defined as producers of IL-23. IL-23 is thought to be involved in the promotion of Th17 cell polarization. Latent CMV-induced Th17 might be involved in the pathogenesis of CMV infection in patients with ESRD. We aimed to evaluate associations of Th17-dependent cytokines with ESRD, CMV status and post-transplant outcome in kidney transplantation. IL-21 plasma levels were similar in patients and healthy controls (p = 0.47), whereas IL-9 (p = 0.02) and IL-23 (p < 0.0001) levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients. CMV-seronegative (p = 0.002) and -seropositive (p < 0.001) patients had significantly higher IL-23 plasma levels than controls. CMV-seropositive patients showed excessively higher IL-23 (p < 0.001) plasma levels than CMV-seronegative patients. Patients with post-transplant CMV reactivation had higher IL-23 plasma levels than patients without CMV reactivation (p = 0.025). Our results indicate that latent CMV induces IL-23. IL-23 might be an inflammatory mediator of latent CMV infection in patients with ESRD and predisposes patients for post-transplant CMV reactivation.

A placebo-controlled trial of dextromethorphan as an adjunct in opioid-dependent patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.

PubMed

Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chen, Shiou-Lan; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Chu, Chun-Hsien; Chen, Shih-Heng; Chen, Po See; Huang, San-Yuan; Tzeng, Nian-Sheng; Wang, Liang-Jen; Lee, I Hui; Wang, Tzu-Yun; Chen, Kao Chin; Yang, Yen Kuang; Hong, Jau-Shyong; Lu, Ru-Band

2015-02-25

Low-dose dextromethorphan (DM) might have anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects mechanistically remote from an NMDA receptor. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled 12 week study, we investigated whether add-on dextromethorphan reduced cytokine levels and benefitted opioid-dependent patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Patients were randomly assigned to a group: DM60 (60mg/day dextromethorphan; n = 65), DM120 (120mg/day dextromethorphan; n = 65), or placebo (n = 66). Primary outcomes were the methadone dose required, plasma morphine level, and retention in treatment. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, transforming growth factor-β1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were examined during weeks 0, 1, 4, 8, and 12. Multiple linear regressions with generalized estimating equation methods were used to examine the therapeutic effect. After 12 weeks, the DM60 group had significantly longer treatment retention and lower plasma morphine levels than did the placebo group. Plasma TNF-α was significantly decreased in the DM60 group compared to the placebo group. However, changes in plasma cytokine levels, BDNF levels, and the methadone dose required in the three groups were not significantly different. We provide evidence-decreased concomitant heroin use-of low-dose add-on DM's efficacy for treating opioid-dependent patients undergoing MMT. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Dextromethorphan as an Adjunct in Opioid-Dependent Patients Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

PubMed Central

Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chen, Shiou-Lan; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Chu, Chun-Hsien; Chen, Shih-Heng; Chen, Po See; Huang, San-Yuan; Tzeng, Nian-Sheng; Wang, Liang-Jen; Lee, I Hui; Wang, Tzu-Yun; Chen, Kao Chin; Yang, Yen Kuang; Hong, Jau-Shyong

2015-01-01

Background: Low-dose dextromethorphan (DM) might have anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects mechanistically remote from an NMDA receptor. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled 12 week study, we investigated whether add-on dextromethorphan reduced cytokine levels and benefitted opioid-dependent patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to a group: DM60 (60mg/day dextromethorphan; n = 65), DM120 (120mg/day dextromethorphan; n = 65), or placebo (n = 66). Primary outcomes were the methadone dose required, plasma morphine level, and retention in treatment. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, transforming growth factor–β1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were examined during weeks 0, 1, 4, 8, and 12. Multiple linear regressions with generalized estimating equation methods were used to examine the therapeutic effect. Results: After 12 weeks, the DM60 group had significantly longer treatment retention and lower plasma morphine levels than did the placebo group. Plasma TNF-α was significantly decreased in the DM60 group compared to the placebo group. However, changes in plasma cytokine levels, BDNF levels, and the methadone dose required in the three groups were not significantly different. Conclusions: We provide evidence—decreased concomitant heroin use—of low-dose add-on DM’s efficacy for treating opioid-dependent patients undergoing MMT. PMID:25716777

Elevated expression of platelet-derived chemokines in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

PubMed

Patsouras, Markos D; Sikara, Marina P; Grika, Eleftheria P; Moutsopoulos, Haralampos M; Tzioufas, Athanasios G; Vlachoyiannopoulos, Panayiotis G

2015-12-01

Platelet factor 4 tetramers (CXCL4 chemokine) form complexes with β2glycoprotein I (β2GPI), recognized by anti-β2GPI antibodies leading to platelet activation in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), either primary (PAPS) or secondary (SAPS). Increased plasma levels of CXCL4 may favor this process; therefore we measured plasma levels of CXCL4, a CXCL4 variant (CXCL4L1) and as controls, platelet-derived chemokines CXCL7 (NAP-2) and CCL5 (RANTES), in APS, and disease controls such as patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) coronary artery disease (CAD) and healthy donors (HDs). Plasma samples and platelets were isolated from patients with APS (n = 87), SLE (n = 29), CAD (n = 14) and 54 HDs. Plasma levels of CXCL4, CXCL4L1, CXCL7 and CCL5 as well as intracellular platelet CXCL4 and CXCL4L1 were measured using ELISA. Platelet CXCL4 and CXCL4L1 RNA levels were determined by RT-PCR. CXCL4, CXCL7 (NAP-2) and CCL5 (RANTES) plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with APS compared to both control groups (SLE, CAD) and HDs. CXCL4L1 plasma levels were also significantly higher in APS than in SLE and HDs, but lower from that of CAD patients. Statistically significant concordance was detected between CXCL4 and CXCL7 (p < 0.0001) or CCL5 (p < 0.0001) plasma levels in patients with APS, either PAPS or SAPS. CXCL4L1 plasma levels were inversely correlated with CXCL4 (P = 0.0027), CXCL7 (p = 0.012) and CCL5 (p = 0.023) in PAPS and positively with CXCL4 (p = 0.0191), CCL5 (p < 0.0001) and CXCL7 (P < 0.0001), in SAPS. Levels of CXCL4, CXCL4L1, CXCL7 and CCL5 were divided in "high" (exceeding a level defined as the mean of HDs and 3 SD) and "low" (below this level); The "CXCL4L1 high" group was characterized by increased IgG aCL, (p = 0.0215), double antibody positivity (either aCL or anti-β2GPI plus LA), (p = 0.0277), triple antibody positivity (aCL plus anti-β2GPI plus LA), (p = 0.0073) and thrombocytopenia (p = 0.0061), as well as with at least 1 thrombotic event or the last 5 years (p = 0.0001), or more than 3 thrombotic events ever (p = 0.0151). Chemokines associated with platelet activation and immune cell chemotaxis were found to be elevated in APS patients' plasma and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the syndrome. High CXCL4L1 plasma levels are associated with the clinical expression of APS and should be prospectively evaluated as a biomarker. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effect of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid intakes from diet and supplements on plasma fatty acid levels in the first 3 years of life.

PubMed

Hoyos, Camilla; Almqvist, Catarina; Garden, Frances; Xuan, Wei; Oddy, Wendy H; Marks, Guy B; Webb, Karen L

2008-01-01

The optimal method for conducting omega (n-)3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation trials in children is unknown. To assess the impact of n-3 and n-6 PUFA intake from the background diet on plasma levels of n-3 and n-6 PUFA in children aged 0-3 years, with and without n-3 supplementation. Subjects were randomised antenatally to receive either n-3 PUFA supplements and low n-6 PUFA cooking oils and spreads or a control intervention, designed to maintain usual fatty acid intake. Dietary intake was assessed at 18 months by 3-day weighed food record and at 3 years by food frequency questionnaire. Plasma phospholipids were measured at both time points. Associations were tested by regression. N-3 PUFA intake from background diet did not significantly affect plasma n-3 levels. In contrast, n-6 PUFA intake in background diet was positively related to plasma n-6 levels in both study groups. In addition, n-6 PUFA intake from diet was negatively associated with plasma n-3 levels at 18 months and 3 years (-0.16%/g n-6 intake, 95%CI -0.29 to -0.03 and -0.05%/g n-6 intake, 95%CI -0.09 to -0.01, respectively) in the active group, but not in the control group. Interventions intending to increase plasma n-3 PUFA in children by n-3 supplementation should also minimise n-6 PUFA intake in the background diet.

Elevated Plasma Soluble CD14 and Skewed CD16+ Monocyte Distribution Persist despite Normalisation of Soluble CD163 and CXCL10 by Effective HIV Therapy: A Changing Paradigm for Routine HIV Laboratory Monitoring?

PubMed Central

Castley, Alison; Berry, Cassandra; French, Martyn; Fernandez, Sonia; Krueger, Romano; Nolan, David

2014-01-01

Objective We investigated plasma and flow cytometric biomarkers of monocyte status that have been associated with prognostic utility in HIV infection and other chronic inflammatory diseases, comparing 81 HIV+ individuals with a range of treatment outcomes to a group of 21 healthy control blood donors. Our aim is to develop and optimise monocyte assays that combine biological relevance, clinical utility, and ease of adoption into routine HIV laboratory practice. Design Cross-sectional evaluation of concurrent plasma and whole blood samples. Methods A flow cytometry protocol was developed comprising single-tube CD45, CD14, CD16, CD64, CD163, CD143 analysis with appropriately matched isotype controls. Plasma levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14), soluble CD163 (sCD163) and CXCL10 were measured by ELISA. Results HIV status was associated with significantly increased expression of CD64, CD143 and CD163 on CD16+ monocytes, irrespective of the virological response to HIV therapy. Plasma levels of sCD14, sCD163 and CXCL10 were also significantly elevated in association with viremic HIV infection. Plasma sCD163 and CXCL10 levels were restored to healthy control levels by effective antiretroviral therapy while sCD14 levels remained elevated despite virological suppression (p<0.001). Conclusions Flow cytometric and plasma biomarkers of monocyte activation indicate an ongoing systemic inflammatory response to HIV infection, characterised by persistent alterations of CD16+ monocyte expression profiles and elevated sCD14 levels, that are not corrected by antiretroviral therapy and likely to be prognostically significant. In contrast, sCD163 and CXCL10 levels declined on antiretroviral therapy, suggesting multiple activation pathways revealed by these biomarkers. Incorporation of these assays into routine clinical care is feasible and warrants further consideration, particularly in light of emerging therapeutic strategies that specifically target innate immune activation in HIV infection. PMID:25544986

Biomarkers Associated With the Apolipoprotein E Genotype and Alzheimer Disease

PubMed Central

Soares, Holly D.; Potter, William Z.; Pickering, Eve; Kuhn, Max; Immermann, Frederick W.; Shera, David M; Ferm, Mats; Dean, Robert A.; Simon, Adam J.; Swenson, Frank; Siuciak, Judith A.; Kaplow, June; Thambisetty, Madhav; Zagouras, Panayiotis; Koroshetz, Walter J.; Wan, Hong I.; Trojanowski, John Q.; Shaw, Leslie M.

2013-01-01

Background A blood-based test that could be used as a screen for Alzheimer disease (AD) may enable early intervention and better access to treatment. Objective To apply a multiplex immunoassay panel to identify plasma biomarkers of AD using plasma samples from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort. Design Cohort study. Setting The Biomarkers Consortium Alzheimer’s Disease Plasma Proteomics Project. Participants Plasma samples at baseline and at 1 year were analyzed from 396 (345 at 1 year) patients with mild cognitive impairment, 112 (97 at 1 year) patients with AD, and 58 (54 at 1 year) healthy control subjects. Main Outcome Measures Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were used to examine differences across diagnostic groups and relative to the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype. Results Increased levels of eotaxin 3, pancreatic polypeptide, and N-terminal protein B–type brain natriuretic peptide were observed in patients, confirming similar changes reported in cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with AD and MCI. Increases in tenascin C levels and decreases in IgM and ApoE levels were also observed. All participants with Apo ε3/ε4 or ε4/ε4 alleles showed a distinct biochemical profile characterized by low C-reactive protein and ApoE levels and by high Cortisol, interleukin 13, apolipoprotein B, and gamma interferon levels. The use of plasma biomarkers improved specificity in differentiating patients with AD from controls, and ApoE plasma levels were lowest in patients whose mild cognitive impairment had progressed to dementia. Conclusions Plasma biomarker results confirm cerebrospinal fluid studies reporting increased levels of pancreatic polypeptide and N-terminal protein B–type brain natriuretic peptide in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment. Incorporation of plasma biomarkers yielded high sensitivity with improved specificity, supporting their usefulness as a screening tool. The ApoE genotype was associated with a unique biochemical profile irrespective of diagnosis, highlighting the importance of genotype on blood protein profiles. PMID:22801723

Abnormal angiopoietins 1&2, angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in hypertension: relationship to target organ damage [a sub-study of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT)].

PubMed

Nadar, S K; Blann, A; Beevers, D G; Lip, G Y H

2005-10-01

The increased risk of target organ damage (TOD) in hypertension may be related to a prothrombotic or hypercoagulable state, with abnormalities in platelet activation. Altered angiogenesis, possibly related to increased plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also a feature of hypertension. We hypothesized a link between altered angiogenesis and TOD in hypertension. Accordingly, the angiogenic growth factors VEGF, angiopoietin 1 and 2 (Ang 1 & 2) and soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 in plasma and in platelets were assessed in terms of the presence or absence of hypertensive TOD. We studied 199 patients (75% men; mean age 68 years) with hypertension. Of these, 125 had evidence of hypertensive TOD (stroke, previous myocardial infarction, angina, left ventricular hypertrophy and mild renal failure). Patients were compared with 74 healthy normotensive controls (69% men; mean age 68 years). Plasma VEGF, Ang 1 & 2 and Tie-2, and total platelet levels of VEGF and Ang-1 (obtained by lysing a known number of platelets with 0.5% Tween) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hypertensive patients had higher levels of plasma VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2 and platelet VEGF (all P

High plasma neopterin levels in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders.

PubMed

Zhao, Hong-xiang; Yin, Sha-sha; Fan, Jin-gang

2015-04-01

Neopterin, a pteridine mainly synthesized by activated macrophages, is a marker of inflammation, immune system activation and an active participant in Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of plasma neopterin levels in ASD. Eighty patients diagnosed with ASD and 80 sex and age matched typically developing children were assessed for plasma levels of neopterin at admission. Plasma neopterin levels were measured using a human ELISA kit and severity of ASD were evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score. We found that the mean plasma neopterin level was significantly (P<0.0001) higher in children with ASD as compared to controls. Plasma neopterin increased with increasing severity of ASD as defined by the CARS score. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value of plasma neopterin level as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of ASD was projected to be 8.5nmol/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 80.1%, with the area under the curve at 0.876 (95% CI, 0.825-0.928). Elevated neopterin (≥8.5nmol/L) was an independent diagnosis indicator of ASD with an adjusted OR of 12.11 (95% CI: 5.48-28.11; P<0.0001). These results indicated that autistic children had higher plasma levels of neopterin, and elevated plasma neopterin levels may be associated with severity of ASD among Chinese children. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma lipophilic antioxidants and malondialdehyde in congestive heart failure patients: relationship to disease severity.

PubMed

Polidori, Maria Cristina; Savino, Ketty; Alunni, Gianfranco; Freddio, Michela; Senin, Umberto; Sies, Helmut; Stahl, Wilhelm; Mecocci, Patrizia

2002-01-15

Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin A, and of antioxidant micronutrients including vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene were measured in 30 patients with class II and III congestive heart failure (CHF) according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and in 55 controls. Ejection fraction was evaluated by echocardiography in all patients as a measure of the emptying capacity of the heart. Plasma levels of all measured compounds were significantly lower and MDA significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p <.001). Class II NYHA patients showed significantly lower MDA levels and significantly higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, lutein, and lycopene than class III patients. Ejection fraction was inversely correlated with MDA levels and directly correlated with vitamin A, vitamin E, lutein, and lycopene levels in patients. The present study supports the concept that an increased consumption of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables might help in achieving cardiovascular health.

[Endogenous nociceptin level in ischemic stroke: connection to serotonin system].

PubMed

Tekes, Kornélia; Hantos, Mónika; Bátor, György; Gyenge, Melinda; Laufer, Rudolf; Folyovich, András

2006-06-01

Particular role of the heptadecapeptide nociceptin (orphanin FQ), the endogenous agonist of the NOP receptor, has been widely demonstrated in the regulation of pain sensation and anxiety-related behavior. In our best knowledge this is the first study reporting plasma nociceptin levels in 26 acute stroke and 6 transiens ischemic attack (TIA) patients. We have found significantly elevated plasma nociceptin levels in all the three groups of patients studied (stroke influencing the carotis or the lacunar region and TIA). We suggest that elevated plasma nociceptin level is the consequence of stroke as in the group of patients recovered from previous stroke was found similar the control value. Plasma serotonin level was found non-significantly decreased in patients with stroke influencing the lacunar region and TIA patients. However the plasma 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5HIAA) levels were found significantly elevated in patient groups with stroke influencing both the carotis and the lacunar regions. Data may serve as further evidence for the serotonergic dysregulation in stroke.

[Diagnostic values of salivary versus and plasma microRNA-21 for early esophageal cancer].

PubMed

Ye, Minhua; Ye, Penghui; Zhang, Weizhu; Rao, Jiaqi; Xie, Zijun

2014-06-01

To evaluate the diagnostic value of salivary and plasma miR-21 in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Total RNA was extracted from saliva and plasma samples from 50 stage I and 50 stage II patients with EC and 50 healthy controls for measurement of miR-21 levels using qPCR. The diagnostic values of salivary and plasma miR-21 levels were assessed for stage I, stage II, and stage I+II EC. Salivary and plasma miR-21 were significantly higher in the EC patients than in the control group. The diagnostic sensitivities of plasma miR-21 for stage I, stage II, and stage I+II EC were 96%, 64% and 97%, with specificities of 44%, 84%, and 56%, respectively; the sensitivities of salivary miR-21 were 90%, 88%, and 89%, respectively, with the same specificities of 64%. Regardless of EC staging, the expression of plasma miR-21 showed a significant positive correlation with that of salivary miR-21, and their diagnostic values were comparable. Both salivary and plasmatic miR-21 can be sensitive biomarkers for EC, and salivary miR-21 detection has the potential to replace plasma detection for EC diagnosis.

Fasting and exercise increase plasma cannabinoid levels in THC pre-treated rats: an examination of behavioural consequences.

PubMed

Wong, Alexander; Keats, Kirily; Rooney, Kieron; Hicks, Callum; Allsop, David J; Arnold, Jonathon C; McGregor, Iain S

2014-10-01

Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, accumulates in fat tissue where it can remain for prolonged periods. Under conditions of increased fat utilisation, blood cannabinoid concentrations can increase. However, it is unclear whether this has behavioural consequences. Here, we examined whether rats pre-treated with multiple or single doses of THC followed by a washout would show elevated plasma cannabinoids and altered behaviour following fasting or exercise manipulations designed to increase fat utilisation. Behavioural impairment was measured as an inhibition of spontaneous locomotor activity or a failure to successfully complete a treadmill exercise session. Fat utilisation was indexed by plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels with plasma concentrations of THC and its terminal metabolite (-)-11-nor-9-carboxy-∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) also measured. Rats given daily THC (10 mg/kg) for 5 days followed by a 4-day washout showed elevated plasma THC-COOH when fasted for 24 h relative to non-fasted controls. Fasted rats showed lower locomotor activity than controls suggesting a behavioural effect of fat-released THC. However, rats fasted for 20 h after a single 5-mg/kg THC injection did not show locomotor suppression, despite modestly elevated plasma THC-COOH. Rats pre-treated with THC (5 mg/kg) and exercised 20 h later also showed elevated plasma THC-COOH but did not differ from controls in their likelihood of completing 30 min of treadmill exercise. These results confirm that fasting and exercise can increase plasma cannabinoid levels. Behavioural consequences are more clearly observed with pre-treatment regimes involving repeated rather than single THC dosing.

Homocysteine diminishes apolipoprotein A-I function and expression in patients with hypothyroidism: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Yang, Ning; Yao, Zhi; Miao, Li; Liu, Jia; Gao, Xia; Xu, Yuan; Wang, Guang

2016-07-26

Hypothyroidism (HO) can significantly impair lipid metabolism and increase cardiovascular disease risk. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our previous study demonstrated that HHcy significantly induced insulin resistance and impaired coronary artery endothelial function in patients with either hypertension or HO. In the present study, we studied whether plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) were altered in patients with HO, and if so, whether this change was mediated by HHcy. A total of 258 subjects were enrolled and divided into the following three groups: control group (n = 94), HO group (n = 73), and subclinical hypothyroidism (SHO) group (n = 91). Additionally, all groups were subdivided based on the subjects' Hcy levels into HHcy (plasma Hcy level over 15 μmol/l) and normal Hcy subgroups. The plasma levels of lipid indexes were measured. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlations between groups. The plasma Hcy levels were significantly higher in the HO group than in the SHO or control groups (all p < 0.05). Moreover, levels of Apo A-I and HDL-C were markedly reduced in the HHcy subgroup compared with the normal Hcy subgroup for patients with either HO (Apo A-I: p < 0.05; HDL-C: p < 0.01) or SHO (Apo A-I: p < 0.05; HDL-C: p < 0.01). In addition, the plasma Hcy levels were negatively correlated with levels of Apo A-I in all three groups (HO group: r = - 0.320, SHO group: r = - 0.337 and control group: r = - 0.317; all p < 0.01). Hcy levels were significantly increased in patients with HO or SHO. These increased Hcy levels may impair cardiovascular function via the inhibition of Apo A-1 expression and impairment of its antioxidant capacity. Our findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism-induced metabolic disorders.

Mediterranean diet and non enzymatic antioxidant capacity in the PREDIMED study: evidence for a mechanism of antioxidant tuning.

PubMed

Zamora-Ros, R; Serafini, M; Estruch, R; Lamuela-Raventós, R M; Martínez-González, M A; Salas-Salvadó, J; Fiol, M; Lapetra, J; Arós, F; Covas, M I; Andres-Lacueva, C

2013-12-01

The intake of antioxidant-rich foods may increase the blood levels of non enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC). NEAC takes into account all antioxidants from food and synergistic effects between them. We examined the effect of a 1-year intervention with Mediterranean diet on plasma NEAC and assessed whether it was related to baseline NEAC levels. Five hundred sixty-four participants at high cardiovascular risk were randomly selected from the PREDIMED (Prevención con DIeta MEDiterránea) Study, a large 3-arm randomized clinical trial. Blood NEAC levels were measured at baseline and after 1-year of dietary intervention with 1) a Mediterranean diet supplemented with virgin olive oil (MED + VOO); 2) a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts (MED + nuts), or 3) a control low-fat diet. Plasma NEAC was analyzed using FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential) and TRAP (total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter) assays. Plasma FRAP levels increased after 1-year of intervention with MED + VOO [72.0 μmol/L (95% CI, 34.2-109.9)] and MED + nuts [48.9 μmol/L (24.3-73.5)], but not after the control low-fat diet [13.9 μmol/L (-11.9 to 39.8)]. Participants in the lowest quartile of plasma FRAP at baseline significantly increased their levels after any intervention, while those in the highest quartile decreased. Similar results occurred with TRAP levels. This study shows that a 1-year of MED diet intervention increases plasma TAC level in subjects at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the effectiveness of dietary supplementation with antioxidants may be related to baseline levels of plasma NEAC. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two-year follow-up biomonitoring pilot study of residents' and controls' PFC plasma levels after PFOA reduction in public water system in Arnsberg, Germany.

PubMed

Brede, Edna; Wilhelm, Michael; Göen, Thomas; Müller, Johannes; Rauchfuss, Knut; Kraft, Martin; Hölzer, Jürgen

2010-06-01

Residents in Arnsberg, Germany, had been supplied by drinking water contaminated with perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). Biomonitoring data from 2006 evidenced that plasma PFOA concentrations of residents from Arnsberg were 4.5-8.3 times higher than those in reference groups. The introduction of charcoal filtration in July 2006 distinctly reduced PFOA concentrations in drinking water. Our one-year follow-up study showed a 10-20% reduction of PFOA plasma levels in residents from Arnsberg. Here we report the first results of the two-year follow-up study Arnsberg 2008. Additionally, the results of the two-year follow-up examination of the reference group are included. Paired plasma samples of 138 study participants (45 children, 46 mothers and 47 men) collected in 2006 and 2008 were considered in the statistical analyses. Within the two years plasma concentrations of PFOA, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) decreased in residents from Arnsberg and in control groups. The geometric means of PFOA plasma levels declined by 39% (children and mothers) and 26% (men) in Arnsberg and by 13-15% in the corresponding subgroups from the reference areas. For the population from Arnsberg a geometric mean plasma PFOA half-life of 3.26 years (range 1.03-14.67 years) was calculated. Our results confirm an ongoing reduction of the PFOA load in residents from Arnsberg. The decline of PFC levels in plasma of participants from the reference areas reflects the general decrease of human PFC exposure during the very recent years. Copyright 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Oxidative stress and antioxidants in athletes undertaking regular exercise training.

PubMed

Watson, Trent A; MacDonald-Wicks, Lesley K; Garg, Manohar L

2005-04-01

Exercise has been shown to increase the production of reactive oxygen species to a point that can exceed antioxidant defenses to cause oxidative stress. Dietary intake of antioxidants, physical activity levels, various antioxidants and oxidative stress markers were examined in 20 exercise-trained "athletes" and 20 age- and sex-matched sedentary "controls." Plasma F2-isoprostanes, antioxidant enzyme activities, and uric acid levels were similar in athletes and sedentary controls. Plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were higher in athletes compared with sedentary controls. Total antioxidant capacity tended to be lower in athletes, with a significant difference between male athletes and male controls. Dietary intakes of antioxidants were also similar between groups and well above recommended dietary intakes for Australians. These findings suggest that athletes who consume a diet rich in antioxidants have elevated plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene that were likely to be brought about by adaptive processes resulting from regular exercise.

Decreased plasma agmatine levels in autistic subjects.

PubMed

Esnafoglu, Erman; İrende, İlhan

2018-04-01

Agmatine is a polyamine endogenously synthesized from arginine and is considered to be a new neurotransmitter. Agmatine has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several diseases such as anxiety disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Agmatine also possesses anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, antiapoptotic, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects. Furthermore, agmatine inhibits the nitric oxide synthase enzyme and exerts antagonist effects on NMDA, alpha-2, and imidazoline receptors. Considering these characteristics, the present study investigated whether agmatine plays a role in the pathogenesis of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Therefore, plasma agmatine levels were evaluated in 34 patients with ASD and 28 non-ASD controls. Plasma agmatine levels were measured using the HPLC method. The study found remarkably lower agmatine levels in patients with ASD compared with the non-ASD control group (p < 0.001). These findings support the notion that agmatine might contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD and may serve as a new target for treatment.

Effect of occupational EMF exposure from radar at two different frequency bands on plasma melatonin and serotonin levels.

PubMed

Singh, Sarika; Mani, Kumar Vyonkesh; Kapoor, Neeru

2015-05-01

To delineate the effect of chronic electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from radar on plasma melatonin and serotonin levels in occupationally exposed military personnel. A total of 166 male military personnel participated in the study out of which only 155 joined for blood draw. They were divided into three sets: Control group (n = 68), exposure group I (n = 40) exposed to 8-12 GHz and exposure group II (n = 58) working with radar at 12.5-18 GHz frequency. The three groups were further split into two groups according to their years of service (up to 10 years and > 10 years) in order to investigate the effect of years of exposure from radar. Melatonin and serotonin levels were estimated by enzyme immunoassay in fasting blood samples collected from 06:00-07:00 h. EMF measurements were recorded at different locations using Satimo EME Guard 'Personal Exposure Meter' and Narda 'Broad Band Field Meter'. The group I exposed population registered a minor though not significant decrease in plasma melatonin concentration while the other group II exposed population registered statistically significant decline in melatonin concentration when compared with controls. Highly significant increase in plasma serotonin levels was found in exposure group II when compared to control whereas marginal non-significant rise was also registered in exposure group I in comparison to control. Exposure in terms of length of service up to 10 years did not produce any significant effect in the indoleamine levels in both the exposure groups when they were compared with their respective control groups. Whereas, length of service greater than 10 years was observed to decrease and increase respectively the melatonin and serotonin concentration significantly in exposure group II but not in exposure group I. However, correlation test did not yield any significant association between years of service and melatonin or serotonin levels respectively in both the exposure sets I and II. No significant association was observed between melatonin and serotonin levels as well. The study showed the EMF ability to influence plasma melatonin and serotonin concentration in radar workers, significantly in 12.5-18 GHz range with service period greater than 10 years.

Plasma homovanillic acid in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia.

PubMed

Sumiyoshi, T; Kurachi, M; Kurokawa, K; Yotsutsuji, T; Uehara, T; Itoh, H; Saitoh, O

2000-03-01

Plasma levels of homovanillic acid (pHVA) have been used as a peripheral measure of central dopaminergic activity. Despite a large body of studies investigating pHVA in schizophrenia, little is known about pHVA in patients in the prodromal phase of the illness. Plasma HVA levels of 12 male outpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for the prodromal phase of schizophrenia at the time of blood sampling (who later developed psychotic symptoms) were compared with those of 12 normal male healthy volunteers. Task amounts in the Kraepelin arithmetic test at the time of blood sampling were compared between the prodromal patients and normal controls and were correlated with pHVA levels. The prodromal patients had significantly higher pHVA levels compared with normal control subjects. The mean amount of the arithmetic task for the prodromal patients was significantly less than that for controls. In the patient group, a significant negative correlation was observed between pHVA levels and the task amounts. Data from the present study indicate the presence of dopaminergic dysfunction in the prodromal stage of schizophrenia that is associated with neuropsychological impairment. Increased pHVA levels in the prodromal patients may have implications for early detection of schizophrenia.

Copper in Diabetes Mellitus: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Plasma and Serum Studies.

PubMed

Qiu, Qihong; Zhang, Fuping; Zhu, Wenjun; Wu, Juan; Liang, Min

2017-05-01

Copper (Cu) is an important trace element involved in oxidative stress, which is associated with the onset and progression of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, clinical studies comparing plasma or serum Cu levels in patients with DM and in healthy individuals report conflicting findings. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we analyzed the circulating levels of Cu associated with DM (including type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM] and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]). We searched the articles indexed in PubMed, OVID, and Cochrane databases, published through January 2016 and meeting our predefined criteria. Requisite data were extracted, and a random-effect model or a fixed-effect model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Fifteen eligible studies involving a total of 1079 DM patients and 561 healthy controls were identified. Overall, the DM patients showed higher Cu levels than the healthy controls (plasma Cu mean difference [MD] = 1.69 μmol/L, p < 0.0001; serum Cu MD = 4.06 μmol/L, p = 0.005; plasma and serum Cu MD = 2.67 μmol/L, p = 0.006). Stratification based on the type of diabetes also indicated higher levels of Cu in the plasma and serum of DM patients than in healthy controls, respectively. Stratification of DM patients associated with and without complications also revealed similar results. This meta-analysis suggests that DM patients carried higher levels of Cu than healthy individuals. However, international cohort studies are needed to corroborate our findings.

Comparison of the effect of valsartan and lisinopril on autonomic nervous system activity in chronic heart failure.

PubMed

De Tommasi, Elisabetta; Iacoviello, Massimo; Romito, Roberta; Ceconi, Claudio; Guida, Pietro; Massari, Francesco; Francolini, Gloria; Bertocchi, Federico; Ferrari, Roberto; Rizzon, Paolo; Pitzalis, Maria Vittoria

2003-11-01

In chronic heart failure (CHF), the derangement of autonomic nervous system activity has a deep impact on the progression of the disease. It has been demonstrated that modulation of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) increases autonomic control of heart rate and reduces adrenergic activity. We sought to evaluate, in CHF, the different effects of an ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) and of an AT1 receptor antagonist (valsartan) on heart rate variability, baroreflex sensitivity and norepinephrine plasma levels. Ninety patients (61 +/- 10 years, 2.3 +/- 0.5, New York Heart Association class) with CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction <40% were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive lisinopril (uptitrated to 20 mg/d) or valsartan (uptitrated to 160 mg/d) therapy for 16 weeks. Heart rate variability (evaluated by measuring standard deviation of normal R-R intervals on 24-hour ECG recordings), spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity and aldosterone and norepinephrine plasma levels were assessed before and after drug therapy. There were no significant differences between valsartan and lisinopril in their effects on left ventricular function, arterial pressure, aldosterone plasma levels and autonomic control of heart rate. Both lisinopril and valsartan significantly reduced plasma norepinephrine levels, but the reduction induced by valsartan was significantly greater than that observed for lisinopril (27% vs 6%, P <.05). This study shows a comparable effect of ACE inhibition (lisinopril) and of AT1 receptor antagonism (valsartan) on cardiac vagal control of heart rate, whereas valsartan has shown a more effective modulation of sympathetic activity measured by plasma norepinephrine levels.

Antioxidant defense and oxidative stress in children with acute hepatitis A

PubMed Central

Popovic-Dragonjic, Lidija; Jovanovic, Maja; Vrbic, Miodrag; Konstantinovic, Ljiljana; Kostic, Velimir; Dragonjic, Ivan

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Published data on oxidative stress in children with acute hepatitis A are still very scarce. This study aims to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status of these patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, case-control study, over 2.5 years in patients under hospitalized and ambulatory care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The levels of a whole-blood antioxidant, reduced glutathione; and plasma antioxidants, β-carotene, retinol, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol; and the biomarker of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, were evaluated in 50 pediatric patients (age range, 5-16 years; 29 males and 21 females) with acute hepatitis A and in 50 healthy children as control subjects (age range, 5-16 years; 25 males and 25 females). RESULTS: Plasma levels of reduced glutathione, β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid were significantly lower, while malondialdehyde plasma levels were significantly increased in the patient group when compared to the controls (P<.0001 for all parameters). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that pediatric patients with acute hepatitis A were influenced by oxidative stress, resulting in significantly lower levels of plasma antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidation. In the absence of other therapeutic options, antioxidant vitamin supplements could be added to the therapy for these patients to help reestablish the oxidant status balance. Further investigations to confirm this suggestion are recommended. PMID:21623054

Control of plasma process by use of harmonic frequency components of voltage and current

DOEpatents

Miller, Paul A.; Kamon, Mattan

1994-01-01

The present invention provides for a technique for taking advantage of the intrinsic electrical non-linearity of processing plasmas to add additional control variables that affect process performance. The technique provides for the adjustment of the electrical coupling circuitry, as well as the electrical excitation level, in response to measurements of the reactor voltage and current and to use that capability to modify the plasma characteristics to obtain the desired performance.

Increased plasma peroxides as a marker of oxidative stress in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

PubMed

Maes, Michael; Kubera, Marta; Uytterhoeven, Marc; Vrydags, Nicolas; Bosmans, Eugene

2011-04-01

There is evidence that myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by activation of immune, inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways. The present study was carried out in order to examine whether ME/CFS is accompanied by increased levels of plasma peroxides and serum oxidized LDL (oxLDL) antibodies, two biomarkers of oxidative stress. Blood was collected from 56 patients with ME/CFS and 37 normal volunteers. Severity of ME/CFS was measured using the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (FF) Rating Scale. Plasma peroxide concentrations were significantly higher in patients with ME/CFS than in normal controls. There was a trend towards significantly higher serum oxLDL antibodies in ME/CFS than in controls. Both biomarkers contributed significantly in discriminating between patients with ME/CFS and normal controls. Plasma peroxide and serum oxLDL antibody levels were both significantly related to one of the FF symptoms. The results show that ME/CFS is characterized by increased oxidative stress.

Biochemistry of blood plasma and some parameters of antioxidant status in rats with polyhypovitaminosis of varying severity.

PubMed

Kodentsova, V M; Vrzhesinskaya, O A; Beketova, N A; Soto, S Kh; Karagodina, Z V; Sharanova, N E; Baturina, V A

2013-02-01

In rats with profound vitamin deficiency, blood plasma level of triglycerides significantly decreased by 1.6 times, potassium ions by 5%, uric acid by 23%, ALT and AST by 1.4 times, while the levels of glucose increased by 32%, iron by 31%, urea by 58%, and alkaline phosphatase by 19%. Plasma level of phosphorus tended to decrease and ionized calcium concentration tended to increase. Severe deficiency of all vitamins is accompanied by pronounced accumulation of MDA in the plasma and liver together with simultaneous increase in the level of coenzyme Q10 by 4.6 times and decrease in vitamin C content by 21.4% in the rat liver compared to the control. It was found that severe combined deficiency of vitamins for 4 weeks produced considerable multidirectional alterations in diagnostically important metabolic parameters in rat plasma.

Contribution of the blood glucose level in perinatal asphyxia.

PubMed

Basu, Pallab; Som, Sabbasachi; Choudhuri, Nabendu; Das, Harendranath

2009-07-01

This is a comparative study between 60 asphyxiated newborns (cases) and 60 normal neonates (controls) in respect of their plasma glucose and uric acid levels and also their clinical and neurological status. The mean plasma glucose level was significantly lower (35.1 +/- 11.4 mg/dl vs. 56.9 +/- 5.5 mg/dl; P < 0.001) and the mean serum uric acid level was higher (8.0 +/- 1.2 mg/dl vs. 4.5 +/- 0.83 mg/dl; P < 0.001) in the asphyxiated group when compared to the controls. Within the perinatal asphyxia group, the plasma glucose level and Apgar scores showed a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.740, P < 0.001), whereas a significant negative linear correlation was observed between the glucose level and different stages of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (r = -0.875, P < 0.001). Although a strong positive linear correlation was found between uric acid and HIE stages (r = 0.734, P < or = 0.001), the linear correlation between uric acid and Apgar scores (r = -0.885, P < 0.001) and uric acid and the plasma glucose level (r = -0.725, P < 0.001) were found to be significantly negative among the cases. The severity of encephalopathy and cellular damage varies with the severity of hypoglycemia.

Proximity to a Major Road and Plasma Cytokines in School-Aged Children

PubMed Central

Rosser, Franziska; Forno, Erick; Brehm, John; Han, Yueh-Ying; Boutaoui, Nadia; Colón-Semidey, Angel; Alvarez, María; Acosta-Pérez, Edna; Kurland, Kristen S.; Alcorn, John F.; Canino, Glorisa

2016-01-01

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) may affect immune responses, including those in the TH2 and TH17 pathways. To examine whether TRAP is associated with plasma level of TH17-, TH1-, and TH2-related cytokines in children with and without asthma, a cross-sectional study of 577 children (ages 6–14 years) with (n = 294) and without (n = 283) asthma in San Juan (Puerto Rico) was performed. Residential distance to a major road was estimated using geocoded home addresses for study participants. A panel of 14 cytokines, enriched for the TH17 pathway, was measured in plasma. Asthma was defined as physician-diagnosed asthma and current wheeze. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association of residential distance to a major road (a marker of TRAP), asthma, and cytokine levels. Among all participating children, residential proximity to a major road was significantly associated with increased plasma level of IL-31, even after adjustment for relevant covariates and correction for multiple testing. The presence of asthma modified the estimated effect of the residential distance to a major road on plasma TNF-α (P for interaction = 0.00047). Although living farther from a major road was significantly associated with lower TNF-α level in control subjects, no such decrease was seen in children with asthma. In a direct comparison of cases and control subjects, children with asthma had significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-22, and IL-33 than control subjects. TRAP is associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines among Puerto Rican children, who belong to an ethnic group with high risk for asthma. PMID:28265480

Proximity to a Major Road and Plasma Cytokines in School-Aged Children.

PubMed

Rosser, Franziska; Forno, Erick; Brehm, John; Han, Yueh-Ying; Boutaoui, Nadia; Colón-Semidey, Angel; Alvarez, María; Acosta-Pérez, Edna; Kurland, Kristen S; Alcorn, John F; Canino, Glorisa; Celedón, Juan C

2016-09-01

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) may affect immune responses, including those in the T H 2 and T H 17 pathways. To examine whether TRAP is associated with plasma level of T H 17-, T H 1-, and T H 2-related cytokines in children with and without asthma, a cross-sectional study of 577 children (ages 6-14 years) with ( n  = 294) and without ( n  = 283) asthma in San Juan (Puerto Rico) was performed. Residential distance to a major road was estimated using geocoded home addresses for study participants. A panel of 14 cytokines, enriched for the T H 17 pathway, was measured in plasma. Asthma was defined as physician-diagnosed asthma and current wheeze. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association of residential distance to a major road (a marker of TRAP), asthma, and cytokine levels. Among all participating children, residential proximity to a major road was significantly associated with increased plasma level of IL-31, even after adjustment for relevant covariates and correction for multiple testing. The presence of asthma modified the estimated effect of the residential distance to a major road on plasma TNF-α ( P for interaction = 0.00047). Although living farther from a major road was significantly associated with lower TNF-α level in control subjects, no such decrease was seen in children with asthma. In a direct comparison of cases and control subjects, children with asthma had significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-22, and IL-33 than control subjects. TRAP is associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines among Puerto Rican children, who belong to an ethnic group with high risk for asthma.

Alteration in plasma corticosterone levels following long term oral administration of lead produces depression like symptoms in rats.

PubMed

Haider, Saida; Saleem, Sadia; Tabassum, Saiqa; Khaliq, Saima; Shamim, Saima; Batool, Zehra; Parveen, Tahira; Inam, Qurat-ul-ain; Haleem, Darakhshan J

2013-03-01

Lead toxicity is known to induce a broad range of physiological, biochemical and behavioral dysfunctions that may result in adverse effects on several organs, including the central nervous system. Long-term exposure to low levels of lead (Pb(2+)) has been shown to produce behavioral deficits in rodents and humans by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These deficits are thought to be associated with altered brain monoamine neurotransmission and due to changes in glucocorticoids levels. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Pb(2+)exposure on growth rate, locomotor activity, anxiety, depression, plasma corticosterone and brain serotonin (5-HT) levels in rats. Rats were exposed to lead in drinking water (500 ppm; lead acetate) for 5 weeks. The assessment of depression was done using the forced swimming test (FST). Estimation of brain 5-HT was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Plasma corticosterone was determined by spectrofluorimetric method. The present study showed that long term exposure to Pb(2+) significantly decreased the food intake followed by the decrease in growth rate in Pb(2+)exposed rats as compared to control group. No significant changes in open field activity were observed following Pb(2+)exposure while significant increase in anxiogenic effect was observed. Increased plasma corticosterone and decreased 5-HT levels were exhibited by Pb(2+)exposed rats as compared to controls. A significant increase in depressive like symptoms was exhibited by Pb(2+)exposed rats as compared to control rats. The results are discussed in the context of Pb(2+) inducing a stress-like response in rats leading to changes in plasma corticosterone and brain 5-HT levels via altering tryptophan pyrrolase activity.

Soluble CD30 is more relevant to disease activity of atopic dermatitis than soluble CD26

PubMed Central

Katoh, N; Hirano, S; Suehiro, M; Ikenaga, K; Yamashita, T; Sugawara, N; Yasuno, H

2000-01-01

It is suggested that CD30 and CD26 are surface molecules expressed on activated Th2 and Th1 cells, respectively. We examined plasma levels of soluble CD26 (sCD26) and sCD30 in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) when their eruptions were aggravated and in non-atopic healthy controls, and then analysed the possible correlation between these values and the levels of several clinical markers. The plasma levels of both sCD30 and sCD26 were significantly higher in AD patients than in controls, both in exacerbation status and after conventional treatment. Multiple regression analyses showed that plasma sCD30 was a much better predictor of the levels of serum IgE, serum LDH and plasma sCD25, and the area and the score of AD eruption than sCD26, although elevated levels of both sCD30 and sCD26 are associated with these clinical predictors of AD. Importantly, sCD30 plasma levels decreased significantly in AD patients after conventional treatment, while no significant transition was noted in the concentration of sCD26. Moreover, a significant reduction of sCD30 levels was observed in the group of patients whose eruption score was reduced > 50%, whereas it was not in those < 50%. These findings provide evidence that the successful treatment of AD is associated with down-activation of Th2. PMID:10931130

Plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes status in workers exposed to cadmium.

PubMed

Babu, Kalahasthi Ravi; Rajmohan, Hirehal Raghavendra Rao; Rajan, Bagalur Krishna Murthy; Kumar, Karuna M

2006-09-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a corrosion-resistant metal, used extensively for electroplating in the automobile, electronic and aerospace industry. Only a few studies are available regarding Cd-induced oxidative stress in animals, but no reports are available regarding the effects of Cd on oxidative stress during occupational exposure. The present study was carried out to determine the plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes status in workers exposed to Cd during electroplating. 50 subjects exposed to Cd during electroplating formed the study group. An equal number of age-sex matched subjects, working in the administrative section, formed the control group. Urinary Cd levels were determined using the flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes were determined using spectrophotometric methods. A significant increase of plasma lipid peroxidation and a significant decrease of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were noted in the study group compared with the control group. The level of plasma lipid peroxidation was positively and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes were negatively and significantly associated with Cd levels in urine. Multiple regression analysis assessed the oxidative stress associated with Cd and other lifestyle confounding factors, such as age, body mass index, the consumption of vegetables, coffee, tea, smoking and alcohol. Analysis showed that the lifestyle confounding factors viz; smoking, body mass index and urinary Cd levels > 5 microg/g of creatinine, were significantly associated with oxidative stress. The results of the present study suggest that increased plasma lipid peroxidation and decreased superoxide dismutase levels could be used as biomarkers of oxidative stress in cadmium-exposed workers.

Plasma substance P levels in patients with persistent cough.

PubMed

Otsuka, Kojiro; Niimi, Akio; Matsumoto, Hisako; Ito, Isao; Yamaguchi, Masafumi; Matsuoka, Hirofumi; Jinnai, Makiko; Oguma, Tsuyoshi; Takeda, Tomoshi; Nakaji, Hitoshi; Chin, Kazuo; Sasaki, Kazuhiko; Aoyama, Norihito; Mishima, Michiaki

2011-01-01

Substance P (SP) is involved in the pathogenesis of cough in animal models. However, few studies in humans have been reported and the roles of SP in clinical cough remain obscure. To clarify the relevance of plasma levels of SP in patients with persistent cough. We studied 82 patients with cough persisting for at least 3 weeks and 15 healthy controls. Patients were classified as having asthmatic cough (cough-variant asthma and cough-predominant asthma; n = 61) or nonasthmatic cough (n = 21; postinfectious cough, n = 6; gastroesophageal reflux disease, n = 5; idiopathic cough, n = 5, and others, n = 5). Correlations were evaluated between plasma SP levels as measured with ELISA and methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness (airway sensitivity and airway reactivity), capsaicin cough sensitivity, sputum eosinophil and neutrophil counts, and pulmonary function. Plasma SP levels were significantly elevated in patients with both asthmatic and nonasthmatic cough compared with controls [31.1 pg/ml (range 18.0-52.2) and 30.0 pg/ml (range 15.1-50.3) vs. 15.4 pg/ml (range 11.3-23.7); p = 0.003 and p = 0.038, respectively] but did not differ between the two patient groups (p = 0.90). Plasma SP levels correlated with airway sensitivity (threshold dose of methacholine) in the patients with asthmatic cough (r = -0.37, p = 0.005) but not with airway reactivity, cough sensitivity, FEV1 values, or sputum eosinophil and neutrophil counts in either group. Increased levels of SP in plasma are associated with persistent cough in humans and might be related to airway sensitivity in asthmatic cough. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Increased IL6 plasma levels in indolent systemic mastocytosis patients are associated with high risk of disease progression.

PubMed

Mayado, A; Teodosio, C; Garcia-Montero, A C; Matito, A; Rodriguez-Caballero, A; Morgado, J M; Muñiz, C; Jara-Acevedo, M; Álvarez-Twose, I; Sanchez-Muñoz, L; Matarraz, S; Caldas, C; Muñoz-González, J I; Escribano, L; Orfao, A

2016-01-01

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a heterogeneous disease with altered interleukin (IL)-6 and IL13 plasma levels. However, no study has simultaneously investigated the plasma levels of IL1β, IL6, IL13, CCL23 and clusterin in SM at diagnosis and correlated them with disease outcome. Here we investigated IL1β, IL6, IL13, CCL23 and clusterin plasma levels in 75 SM patients--66 indolent SM (ISM) and 9 aggressive SM--and analyzed their prognostic impact among ISM cases grouped according to the extent of hematopoietic involvement of the bone marrow cells by the KIT D816V mutation. Although increased IL1β, IL6 and CCL23 levels were detected in SM patients versus healthy controls, only IL6 and CCL23 levels gradually increased with disease severity. Moreover, increased IL6 plasma levels were associated with ISM progression to more aggressive disease, in particular among ISM patients with multilineal KIT mutation (ISM-ML), these patients also showing a higher frequency of organomegalies, versus other ISM-ML patients. Of note, all ISM patients who progressed had increased IL6 plasma levels already at diagnosis. Our results indicate that SM patients display an altered plasma cytokine profile already at diagnosis, increased IL6 plasma levels emerging as an early marker for disease progression among ISM cases, in particular among high-risk ISM patients who carry multilineage KIT mutation.

Stress-induced changes in brain serotonergic activity, plasma cortisol and aggressive behavior in Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is counteracted by L-DOPA.

PubMed

Höglund, E; Kolm, N; Winberg, S

2001-10-01

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) were tested for aggressive behavior using intruder tests, before and after 2 days of dyadic social interaction. Following social interaction, half of the dominant and half of the subordinate fish were given L-DOPA (10 mg/kg, orally), whereas the remaining dominant and subordinate fish were given vehicle. One hour following drug treatment, the fish were tested for aggressive behavior again in a third and final intruder test, after which blood plasma and brain tissue were sampled for analysis of plasma cortisol concentrations and brain levels of monoamines and monoamine metabolites. Subordinate fish showed a reduction in the number of attacks launched against the intruder, as well as an increase in attack latency, as compared to prior to dyadic social interactions. Social subordination also resulted in an elevation of brain serotonergic activity. Fish receiving L-DOPA prior to the final intruder test showed shorter attack latency than vehicle controls. Drug treatment was a stressful experience and vehicle controls showed elevated plasma cortisol levels and longer attack latency as compared to before treatment. L-DOPA-treated fish showed lower plasma levels of cortisol and lower serotonergic activity in certain brain areas than vehicle controls. These results suggest that L-DOPA counteracts the stress-induced inhibition of aggressive behavior, and at the same time inhibits stress-induced effects on brain serotonergic activity and plasma cortisol concentrations.

Changes in glucose, insulin, and growth hormone levels associated with bedrest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vernikos-Danellis, J.; Leach, C. S.; Winget, C. M.; Goodwin, A. L.; Rambaut, P. C.

1976-01-01

Changes in plasma glucose, insulin, and growth hormone (HGH) resulting from exposure to 56 d of bedrest were determined in five healthy young male subjects. Changes in the daily levels of these factors for each subject were expressed as the mean of six blood samples per 24-h period. The level of HGH dropped after 10 d of bedrest, then showed a 1.5-fold increase at 20 d and subsequently decreased gradually reaching levels of 2.5 mg/ml/24 h, well below pre-bedrest controls of 4.2 mg/ml/24 h, by the 54th d. In spite of a marked increase in the daily plasma insulin levels during the first 30 d of bedrest, glucose levels remained unchanged. Beyond 30 d of bedrest, insulin began decreasing toward pre-bedrest levels and glucose followed with a similar reduction to below the control levels of 75 mg/100 ml/24 h on day 54. The daily mean changes reflect a change in the amplitude of the diurnal variation. The daily peak in plasma insulin shifted progressively to the late evening during the bedrest period.

Effects of prolonged physical exercise and fasting upon plasma testosterone level in rats.

PubMed

Guezennec, C Y; Ferre, P; Serrurier, B; Merino, D; Pesquies, P C

1982-01-01

Prolonged physical exercise and fasting in male rats were studied to determine the effect of these two treatments on plasma testosterone level. Blood and tissue samples were drawn after 1 h, 3 h, 5 h, and 7 h treadmill running, and after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of fasting. Both treatments resulted in a significant fall in plasma testosterone, plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma Insulin (IRI) and in liver and muscle glycogen stores. In the course of these two treatments the injection of a supra maximal dose of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) produced a rise in plasma testosterone similar to that in control rats. This indicates that the decrease of plasma LH may be responsible for the decrease in plasma testosterone, which is time-related with the decrease in glycogen stores. The possible metabolic role of the decrease in plasma testosterone is discussed.

High bicarbonate levels in narcoleptic children.

PubMed

Franco, Patricia; Junqua, Aurelie; Guignard-Perret, Anne; Raoux, Aude; Perier, Magali; Raverot, Veronique; Claustrat, Bruno; Gustin, Marie-Paule; Inocente, Clara Odilia; Lin, Jian-Sheng

2016-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of plasma bicarbonate levels in narcoleptic children. Clinical, electrophysiological data and bicarbonate levels were evaluated retrospectively in children seen in our paediatric national reference centre for hypersomnia. The cohort included 23 control subjects (11.5 ± 4 years, 43% boys) and 51 patients presenting de-novo narcolepsy (N) (12.7 ± 3.7 years, 47% boys). In narcoleptic children, cataplexy was present in 78% and DQB1*0602 was positive in 96%. The control children were less obese (2 versus 47%, P = 0.001). Compared with control subjects, narcoleptic children had higher bicarbonate levels (P = 0.02) as well as higher PCO2 (P < 0.01) and lower venous pH gas (P < 0.01). Bicarbonate levels higher than 27 mmol L(-1) were found in 41.2% of the narcoleptic children and 4.2% of the controls (P = 0.001). Bicarbonate levels were correlated with the Adapted Epworth Sleepiness Scale (P = 0.01). Narcoleptic patients without obesity often had bicarbonate levels higher than 27 mmol L (-1) (55 versus 25%, P = 0.025). No differences were found between children with and without cataplexy. In conclusion, narcoleptic patients had higher bicarbonate plasma levels compared to control children. This result could be a marker of hypoventilation in this pathology, provoking an increase in PCO2 and therefore a respiratory acidosis, compensated by an increase in plasma bicarbonates. This simple screening tool could be useful for prioritizing children for sleep laboratory evaluation in practice. © 2015 European Sleep Research Society.

Effects of Hachimi-jio-gan (Ba-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan) on intestinal function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Hirotani, Yoshihiko; Ikeda, Takuya; Ikeda, Kenji; Yamamoto, Kaoru; Onda, Mitsuko; Arakawa, Yukio; Li, Jun; Kitamura, Kazuyuki; Kurokawa, Nobuo

2007-09-01

We examined the effects of Hachimi-jio-gan (HJ) on the small intestinal function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats had free access to pellets containing 1% HJ extract powder for 4 weeks after STZ administration. The intestinal disaccharidase (sucrase and maltase) activity was elevated in STZ-treated rats compared with control rats, whereas it was significantly reduced by HJ administration. This suggested that HJ suppresses or delays monosaccharide production in the small intestinal epithelium. In addition, the intestinal mucosal weights and DNA contents that were significantly increased in the STZ-treated rats were restrained to the control level by HJ treatment. Simultaneously, we examined the changes in the plasma levels of glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), which is a trophic factor specific for the intestine. The plasma GLP-2 levels significantly increased in the STZ-treated rats, whereas HJ decreased the plasma GLP-2 levels. Thus intestinal mucosal weights and DNA contents correlated with plasma GLP-2 levels in diabetes-associated bowel growth. These results suggest that HJ may normalize or suppress the small intestinal disaccharidase activity and the epithelial cell proliferation mediated by GLP-2 in the animal model rats.

A preliminary report of increased plasma levels of IL-33 in bipolar disorder: further evidence of pro-inflammatory status.

PubMed

Barbosa, Izabela Guimaraes; Morato, Isabela Boechat; de Miranda, Aline Silva; Bauer, Moisés Evandro; Soares, Jair C; Teixeira, Antônio Lucio

2014-03-01

Recent findings suggest an important role for inflammation in the neurobiology of bipolar disorder (BD). Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a cytokine with multiple functions and may act as a nuclear factor regulating transcription and as an "alarmin". IL-33 exerts part of its function through the receptor ST2 that also exists in a soluble form (sST2). This study was performed to evaluate IL-33 and sST2 plasma levels in BD patients. We evaluated IL33 and sST2 plasma levels of 46 BD patients (23 in euthymia and 23 in mania) and 23 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BD patients were age and gender matched healthy controls. IL-33 levels were higher in BD patients (p=0.02) but there was no difference in sST2 (p=0.55). IL33 and sST2 plasma levels were not correlated with age, neither was influenced by clinical comorbidities nor medications in use. These findings corroborate the view of BD as a multisystem condition with a proinflammatory profile. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Impacts of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Parsley (Petroselinum sativum) Aqueous Extracts: Lessons from Experimental Rats.

PubMed

Abou Khalil, Nasser S; Abou-Elhamd, Alaa S; Wasfy, Salwa I A; El Mileegy, Ibtisam M H; Hamed, Mohamed Y; Ageely, Hussein M

2016-01-01

Medicinal plants are effective in controlling plasma glucose level with minimal side effects and are commonly used in developing countries as an alternative therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential antidiabetic and antioxidant impacts of Balanites aegyptiaca and Petroselinum sativum extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetic and normal rats. The influences of these extracts on body weight, plasma glucose, insulin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and liver-pyruvate kinase (L-PK) levels were assessed. Furthermore, the weight and histomorphological changes of the pancreas were studied in the different experimental groups. The herbal preparations significantly reduced the mean plasma glucose and MDA levels and significantly increased the mean plasma insulin, L-PK, and TAC levels in the treated diabetic groups compared to the diabetic control group. An obvious increase in the weight of the pancreas and the size of the islets of Langerhans and improvement in the histoarchitecture were evident in the treated groups compared to untreated ones. In conclusion, the present study provides a scientific evidence for the traditional use of these extracts as antidiabetic and antioxidant agents in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

[Studies on the factors responsible for low erythrocyte alpha-tocopherol concentrations in patients on maintenance hemodialysis].

PubMed

Mori, K

1989-03-01

The present study was undertaken to clarify the low erythrocyte (RBC) alpha-tocopherol (TOC) concentrations in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) using in vivo and in vitro experiments. 15 age-matched male controls and HD patients were evaluated. The experimental designs and the results were as follows: 1) Changes in fasting stage; TOC levels of plasma, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and RBC, especially RBC, were lower in HD-patients than in controls. The ratio of RBC to plasma and HDL showed more significant changes between HD-patients and controls. In controls, RBC-TOC was noted to have a positive correlation with HDL-TOC and a negative correlation with non HDL-(plasma--HDL)-TOC, whereas a reverse correlation was observed in HD-patients. 2) In vivo experiments: Each 7 of HD-patients and controls were orally given TOC 600 mg after meal at early morning; the blood was sampled at 0, 3, 6, 10 and 24 hr. Poor increase of RBC-TOC in HD-patients was observed. In contrast, HDL-TOC was significantly higher at all measurement times than in controls. The change of plasma-TOC was similar to that of non HDL-TOC. 3) In vitro experiment:RBC from patients or controls showing various concentrations of RBC-TOC and plasma from controls were incubated at 37 degrees C or 4 degrees C. The inactivated plasma from controls was prepared by incubation at 56 degrees C, 30 min or by supplement of 2 mM parachloromerucuric benzonic sulfonate. The ratio of RBC and plasma was at 2:3 close to physiological conditions. No difference between patient and control RBCs as an acceptor of TOC and no appreciable transfer of TOC between RBC to plasma at 4 degrees C were observed. When RBC-TOC was low, transfer volume of TOC from plasma to RBC was increased and TOC was supplied from mainly non HDL fractions; in contrast, when it was high, the main source of TOC was due to the transfer from HDL fractions which was reduced when lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) reaction was inhibited. From above in vivo and in vitro studies, it was concluded that low levels of RBC-TOC in HD-patients may be due to an insufficiency of TOC transfer from HDL fractions affected by low LCAT activity.

α1-Adrenergic receptor downregulates hepatic FGF21 production and circulating FGF21 levels in mice.

PubMed

Nonogaki, Katsunori; Kaji, Takao

2017-01-18

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is primarily secreted by the liver as an endocrine hormone and is suggested as a promising target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. FGF21 acts centrally to exert its effects on energy expenditure and body weight via the sympathetic nervous system in mice. Here we show that intraperitoneal injection of phentolamine (an α-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 5mg/kg) significantly increased plasma FGF21 levels compared with the saline controls in C57BL6J mice, whereas alprenolol (a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 6mg/kg) had no effect. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of prazosin (an α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 5mg/kg) significantly increased plasma FGF21 levels compared with the controls, whereas yohimbine (an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 5mg/kg) had no effect. Moreover, the treatment with prazosin significantly increased the expression of hepatic FGF21, while having no effect on the expression of hepatic PPARα and PPARγ. After a 5-h fast, intraperitoneal injection of prazosin significantly increased plasma FGF21 levels and impaired glucose tolerance compared with controls. These findings suggest that α1-adrenergic receptor downregulates the expression of hepatic FGF21 and plasma FGF21 levels independently of feeding and hepatic PPARα and PPARγ expression in mice, and that the increases in circulating FGF21 levels might be related to impaired glucose tolerance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of under- and overfeeding on sheep and goat milk and plasma enzymes activities related to oxidation.

PubMed

Tsiplakou, E; Mitsiopoulou, C; Mavrommatis, A; Karaiskou, C; Chronopoulou, E G; Mavridis, G; Sotirakoglou, K; Labrou, N E; Zervas, G

2018-02-01

Twenty-four dairy sheep and goats, respectively, were assigned each to three homogenous subgroups per animal species and fed the same diet in quantities which met 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed that the underfed sheep in comparison with the control had significantly lower glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and total antioxidant capacity (measured with Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma [FRAP] assay) in their blood plasma. A significant increase in the glutathione transferase (GST) and GPX activities, malondialdehyde content and total antioxidant capacity (measured with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) [ABTS] assay) in the blood plasma of underfed goats compared with controls was observed, while the opposite happened for the GR and SOD activities. The underfeeding in both animal species caused a significant increase in the protein carbonyls (PC) content of their blood plasma. The overfeeding, compared with the control, caused a significant decline in the GPX activity and total antioxidant capacity (measured with FRAP) in the blood plasma of sheep while the opposite happened for the GPX and GST activities in the case of goats. The overfed animals, of both species, compared with the respective controls, had higher PC content in their blood plasma. The feeding level had no noticeable impact on the antioxidants' enzymes activities of milk in both animal species. Moreover, the underfeeding in the blood plasma and the overfeeding in milk of both animal species resulted into a significant increase in the PC content. Finally, only in sheep milk, the underfeeding, compared with the respective control, and overfeeding reduced significantly the total antioxidant capacity (measured with ABTS). The feeding level caused oxidative stress in both organism and milk but the response was different in animal species and needs further investigation. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Rice bran oil and oryzanol reduce plasma lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and aortic cholesterol ester accumulation to a greater extent than ferulic acid in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.

PubMed

Wilson, Thomas A; Nicolosi, Robert J; Woolfrey, Benjamin; Kritchevsky, David

2007-02-01

Our laboratory has reported that the hypolipidemic effect of rice bran oil (RBO) is not entirely explained by its fatty acid composition. Because RBO has a greater content of the unsaponifiables, which also lower cholesterol compared to most vegetable oils, we wanted to know whether oryzanol or ferulic acid, two major unsaponifiables in RBO, has a greater cholesterol-lowering activity. Forty-eight F(1)B Golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) (BioBreeders, Watertown, MA) were group housed (three per cage) in cages with bedding in an air-conditioned facility maintained on a 12-h light/dark cycle. The hamsters were fed a chow-based hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) containing 10% coconut oil and 0.1% cholesterol for 2 weeks, at which time they were bled after an overnight fast (16 h) and segregated into 4 groups of 12 with similar plasma cholesterol concentrations. Group 1 (control) continued on the HCD, group 2 was fed the HCD containing 10% RBO in place of coconut oil, group 3 was fed the HCD plus 0.5% ferulic acid and group 4 was fed the HCD plus 0.5% oryzanol for an additional 10 weeks. After 10 weeks on the diets, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (very low- and low-density lipoprotein) concentrations were significantly lower in the RBO (-64% and -70%, respectively), the ferulic acid (-22% and -24%, respectively) and the oryzanol (-70% and -77%, respectively) diets compared to control. Plasma TC and non-HDL-C concentrations were also significantly lower in the RBO (-53% and -61%, respectively) and oryzanol (-61% and -70%, respectively) diets compared to the ferulic acid. Compared to control and ferulic acid, plasma HDL-C concentrations were significantly higher in the RBO (10% and 20%, respectively) and oryzanol (13% and 24%, respectively) diets. The ferulic acid diet had significantly lower plasma HDL-C concentrations compared to the control (-9%). The RBO and oryzanol diets were significantly lower for plasma triglyceride concentrations compared to the control (-53% and -65%, respectively) and ferulic acid (-47% and -60%, respectively) diets. Hamsters fed the control and ferulic acid diets had significantly higher plasma vitamin E concentrations compared to the RBO (201% and 161%, respectively) and oryzanol (548% and 462%, respectively) diets; the ferulic acid and oryzanol diets had significantly lower plasma lipid hydroperoxide levels than the control (-57% and -46%, respectively) diet. The oryzanol-fed hamsters excreted significantly more coprostenol and cholesterol in their feces than the ferulic acid (127% and 120%, respectively) diet. The control diet had significantly greater aortic TC and FC accumulation compared to the RBO (115% and 89%, respectively), ferulic acid (48% and 58%, respectively) and the oryzanol (74% and 70%, respectively) diets. However, only the RBO and oryzanol diets had significantly lower aortic cholesterol ester accumulation compared to the control (-73% and -46%, respectively) diet. The present study suggests that at equal dietary levels, oryzanol has a greater effect on lowering plasma non-HDL-C levels and raising plasma HDL-C than ferulic acid, possibly through a greater extent to increase fecal excretion of cholesterol and its metabolites. However, ferulic acid may have a greater antioxidant capacity via its ability to maintain serum vitamin E levels compared to RBO and oryzanol. Thus, both oryzanol and ferulic acid may exert similar antiatherogenic properties, but through different mechanisms.

The impact of cathelicidin, the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Babikir, Ibrahim H; Abugroun, Elsir A; Bilal, Naser Eldin; Alghasham, Abdullah Ali; Abdalla, Elmuataz Elmansi; Adam, Ishag

2018-01-08

The defense mechanisms of the urinary tract are attributed mainly to the innate immune system and the urinary tract urothelium which represent the first line of defense against invading pathogens and maintaining sterility of the urinary tract. There are only a few publications regarding cathelicidin (LL-37) and a urinary tract infection (UTI). This study was done to investigate the plasma and urine levels of human LL-37 in patients with UTI. A case-control study was conducted at Omdurman Hospital, Sudan during the period from August 2014 to May 2017. The cases were patients with confirmed UTI and the controls were healthy volunteers without UTI. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from each participant using questionnaires. Urine cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility were tested. Plasma and urine levels of LL-37 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. SPSS (version 16.0) was used for analyses. Cases and controls (87 in each arm) were matched according to their basic characteristics. Compared with controls, the median (inter-quartile) LL-37 level in plasma [2.100 (1.700-2.700) vs. 1.800 (1.000-2.200) ng/ml, P = 0.002] and in urine [0.900 (0.300-1.600) vs. 0.000 (0.000-1.000) ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.001] was significantly higher in cases. There was no significant difference in the median plasma [2.1 (1.7-2.9) vs. 2.000 (1.700-2.400) ng/ml, P = 0.561] and urine [0.850 (0.275-2.025) vs. 0.900 (0.250-1.350) ng/mg creatinine, P = 0.124]. The uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) was the predominant isolate, n = 38 (43.7%). LL-37 levels between the E. coli isolates and the other isolated organisms. There was no significant correlation between plasma and urine LL-37 levels (r = 0.221), even when the data of the cases were analyzed separately. LL-37 is notably increased among patients with UTI compared with normal control subjects. Severity of UTI increases the levels of LL-37. The increased level was not only in the patient's urine, but has also been observed in the patient's plasma. Detection of increased levels of LL-37 could help to differentiate subjects with suspected UTI. Accordingly, LL-37 could act as a good marker for diagnosing UTIs.

Comparison of the effects of acute and chronic psychological stress on metabolic features in rats*

PubMed Central

Rostamkhani, Fatemeh; Zardooz, Homeira; Zahediasl, Saleh; Farrokhi, Babak

2012-01-01

This study was aimed to compare the effects of acute and chronic psychological stress on metabolic factors. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into control and stressed groups. Stress was applied by a communication box acutely (1 d) and chronically (15 and 30 d). Blood sampling was carried out by retro-orbital-puncture method. The plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, and corticosterone were measured. In addition, feed and water intake, latency to eat and drink, adrenal and body weights were determined. Acute and chronic psychological stress did not significantly change basal plasma corticosterone levels. However, immediately (1 min) after acute exposure to stress, plasma corticosterone level increased compared to that before stress exposure. Acute stress increased plasma insulin levels significantly. Fifteen days of stress exposure resulted in plasma glucose increase. Chronic stress significantly increased feed intake, latency to eat, and adrenal weight compared to acute stress. The body weights of both control and stressed groups increased markedly during the experiment. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index did not change significantly in the stressed group. In conclusion, application of acute and chronic psychological stress leads to different metabolic and/or behavioral changes but the metabolic changes resulting from acute exposure to stress seem to be more pronounced. PMID:23125083

Downregulation of plasma SELENBP1 protein in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.

PubMed

Chau, Edith J; Mostaid, Md Shaki; Cropley, Vanessa; McGorry, Patrick; Pantelis, Christos; Bousman, Chad A; Everall, Ian P

2018-07-13

Upregulation of selenium binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) mRNA expression has been reported in schizophrenia, primarily in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. However, peripheral blood studies are limited and results are inconsistent. In this study, we examined SELENBP1 mRNA expression in whole blood and protein expression in plasma from patients with recent-onset schizophrenia (n = 30), treatment-resistant schizophrenia (n = 71) and healthy controls (n = 57). We also examined the effects of SELENBP1 genetic variation on gene and protein expression. We found lower SELENBP1 plasma protein levels in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia (p = 0.042) but not in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (p = 0.81). Measurement of peripheral mRNA levels showed no difference between treatment-resistant schizophrenia and healthy controls (p = 0.234) but clozapine plasma levels (p = 0.036) and duration of illness (p = 0.028) were positively correlated with mRNA levels. Genetic variation was not associated with mRNA or protein expression. Our data represent the first peripheral proteomic study of SELENBP1 in schizophrenia and suggest that plasma SELENBP1 protein is downregulated in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of Cytokines and Soluble Receptors in the Quality of Life and Functional Capacity of Workers Exposed to Silica.

PubMed

Braz, Nayara Felicidade Tomaz; Carneiro, Ana Paula Scalia; Avelar, Núbia Carelli Pereira de; Miranda, Aline Silva de; Lacerda, Ana Cristina Rodrigues; Teixeira, Mauro Martins; Teixeira, Antônio Lúcio; Mendonça, Vanessa Amaral

2016-03-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the plasma levels of inflammatory mediators in subjects exposed to silica, with and without silicosis compared with unexposed control group; and to check the association between inflammatory mediators with pulmonary function, quality of life, functional capacity, and dyspnea grade. Inflammatory mediators were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There were 30 subjects exposed to silica and 24 control group. Interleukin-6 plasma levels were higher in subjects exposed to silica with and without silicosis than in the control group. There was a positive correlation between radiological severity and the quality of life, whereas there was a negative correlation between radiological severity and pulmonary function. A negative correlation between sTNFR1 plasma level and functional capacity was found. Interleukin-10 was negatively correlated with the quality of life total score and was positively correlated with the functional capacity and pulmonary function.

Purified fish oil eliminating linoleic and alpha linolenic acid meets essential fatty acid requirements in rats.

PubMed

Ling, Pei-Ra; Puder, Mark; Bistrian, Bruce R

2012-10-01

This study examined whether purified fish oil (PFO) supplemented to an essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) diet meets EFA needs in rats. The EFAD diet contained 10% hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). A similar diet contained 7% HCO and 3% PFO which also provided 2.84% arachidonic acid (AA), 52.50% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 35.73% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) but no linoleic acid (LA) or alpha linolenic acid (ALA). A 10% soybean oil control diet provided ample LA and ALA. After 4 weeks of feeding, blood glucose, plasma triglyceride and phospholipid fatty acid profiles, C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF and IL-6 were determined after saline or LPS injection. EFAD developed with the HCO diet with triene:tetraene ratios in plasma phospholipids >.20, which remained <.02 with the control and HCO+PFO diets. Mead acid levels significantly increased by a factor of 10 with the HCO diet compared to the AIN and HCO+PFO diets and were significantly lowest with the HCO+PFO diet. 18:1 n9 levels were significantly higher in plasma phospholipids and triglycerides with the HCO diet. CRP levels were significantly highest with the control diet and significantly lowest with the HCO diet. LPS significantly increased 18:1 n9 and cytokines, and decreased AA and plasma glucose in all diets and significantly increased plasma triglycerides and decreased plasma glucose in controls. Providing AA, EPA and DHA in EFAD prevents EFAD over the short-term as reflected in Mead acid production, triene:tetraene ratio, and de novo lipogenesis and may reduce the inflammatory response to LPS. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma α1-antitrypsin: A Neglected Predictor of Angiographic Severity in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris

PubMed Central

Zhao, Hui; Liu, Hong; Chai, Lin; Xu, Ping; Hua, Lu; Guan, Xiao-Yuan; Duan, Bing; Huang, Yi-Ling; Li, Yi-Shi

2015-01-01

Background: As an acute phase protein, α1-antitrypsin (AAT) has been extensively studied in acute coronary syndrome, but it is unclear whether a relationship exists between AAT and stable angina pectoris (SAP). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between AAT plasma levels and SAP. Methods: Overall, 103 SAP patients diagnosed by coronary angiography and clinical manifestations and 118 control subjects matched for age and gender were enrolled in this case-control study. Plasma levels of AAT, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profiles and other clinical parameters were assayed for all participants. The severity of coronary lesions was evaluated based on the Gensini score (GS) assessed by coronary angiography. Results: Positively correlated with the GS (r = 0.564, P < 0.001), the plasma AAT level in the SAP group was significantly higher than that in the control group (142.08 ± 19.61 mg/dl vs. 125.50 ± 19.67 mg/dl, P < 0.001). The plasma AAT level was an independent predictor for both SAP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.037, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020–1.054, P < 0.001) and a high GS (OR = 1.087, 95% CI: 1.051–1.124, P < 0.001) in a multivariate logistic regression model. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, plasma AAT level was found to have a larger area under the curve (AUC) for predicting a high GS (AUC = 0.858, 95% CI: 0.788–0.929, P < 0.001) than that of hsCRP (AUC = 0.665, 95% CI: 0.557–0.773, P = 0.006; Z = 2.9363, P < 0.001), with an optimal cut-off value of 137.85 mg/dl (sensitivity: 94.3%, specificity: 68.2%). Conclusions: Plasma AAT levels correlate with both the presence and severity of coronary stenosis in patients with SAP, suggesting that it could be a potential predictive marker of severe stenosis in SAP patients. PMID:25758268

Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial.

PubMed

Bundy, Rafe; Walker, Ann F; Middleton, Richard W; Wallis, Carol; Simpson, Hugh C R

2008-09-01

Cardiovascular diseases are the chief causes of death in the UK, and are associated with high circulating levels of total cholesterol in the plasma. Artichoke leaf extracts (ALEs) have been reported to reduce plasma lipids levels, including total cholesterol, although high quality data is lacking. The objective of this trial was to assess the effect of ALE on plasma lipid levels and general well-being in otherwise healthy adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. 131 adults were screened for total plasma cholesterol in the range 6.0-8.0 mmol/l, with 75 suitable volunteers randomised onto the trial. Volunteers consumed 1280 mg of a standardised ALE, or matched placebo, daily for 12 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol decreased in the treatment group by an average of 4.2% (from 7.16 (SD 0.62) mmol/l to 6.86 (SD 0.68) mmol/l) and increased in the control group by an average of 1.9% (6.90 (SD 0.49) mmol/l to 7.03 (0.61) mmol/l), the difference between groups being statistically significant (p=0.025). No significant differences between groups were observed for LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels. General well-being improved significantly in both the treatment (11%) and control groups (9%) with no significant differences between groups. In conclusion, ALE consumption resulted in a modest but favourable statistically significant difference in total cholesterol after 12 weeks. In comparison with a previous trial, it is suggested that the apparent positive health status of the study population may have contributed to the modesty of the observed response.

Activation of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis by treatment with 17 alpha-methyltestosterone and seawater rearing in the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus.

PubMed

Riley, Larry G; Richman, Nurney H; Hirano, Tetsuya; Gordon Grau, E

2002-07-01

Effects of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) treatment and environmental salinity on the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis were examined in the euryhaline tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Yolk-sac fry were collected from brood stock in fresh water (FW). After yolk-sac absorption, they were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 groups: FW, MT treatment in FW, SW, and MT treatment in seawater (SW). After 147 days, FW controls had the lowest levels of GH mRNA followed by FW fish treated with MT and SW control fish. Seawater fish fed with a diet containing MT, which grew the fastest, had significantly higher levels of GH mRNA than all the other groups. A significant correlation was observed between GH mRNA and the size of the individual fish. By contrast, plasma GH levels did not vary significantly among the groups. Pituitary GH mRNA levels, plasma IGF-I levels, and fish size varied in a correlated pattern, i.e., SW+MT>FW+MT=SW control>FW control. The tilapia pituitary produces two prolactins (PRLs), PRL(177) and PRL(188). Prolactin(177), but not PRL(188), exhibits growth-promoting actions in FW tilapia. Pituitary mRNA levels of both PRLs were significantly higher in fish reared in FW than those reared in SW. Treatment with MT significantly increased mRNA levels of both PRLs in FW, but had no effect on SW fish. No correlation was seen between plasma PRL levels and growth or between PRL mRNA levels and growth. These results indicate that SW rearing and MT treatment stimulate the GH/IGF-I axis, and suggest that pituitary GH mRNA at this stage of development is a better indicator of growth than plasma levels of GH and IGF-I.

Plasma microRNA-451 as a novel hemolytic marker for β0-thalassemia/HbE disease

PubMed Central

Leecharoenkiat, Kamonlak; Tanaka, Yuka; Harada, Yasuko; Chaichompoo, Porntip; Sarakul, Orawan; Abe, Yasunobu; Smith, Duncan Richard; Fucharoen, Suthat; Svasti, Saovaros; Umemura, Tsukuru

2017-01-01

In Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, β0-thalassemia/hemoglobin E (HbE) disease is a common hereditary hematological disease. It is associated with pathophysiological processes, such as the intramedullary destruction of immature erythroid cells and peripheral hemolysis of mature red blood cells. MicroRNA (miR) sequences, which are short non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression in a suppressive manner, serve a crucial role in human erythropoiesis. In the present study, the plasma levels of the erythroid-expressed miRNAs, miR-451 and miR-155, were analyzed in 23 patients with β0-thalassemia/HbE and 16 control subjects. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed significantly higher levels of plasma miR-451 and miR-155 in β0-thalassemia/HbE patients when compared to the control subjects. Notably, among the β0-thalassemia/HbE patients, a significant increase in miR-451 levels was detected in severe cases when compared with mild cases. The levels of plasma miR-451 correlated with reticulocyte and platelet counts. The results suggest that increased plasma miR-451 levels may be associated with the degree of hemolysis and accelerated erythropoiesis in β0-thalassemia/HbE patients. In conclusion, miR-451 may represent a relevant biomarker for pathological erythropoiesis associated with β0-thalassemia/HbE. PMID:28447765

Effect of sulfite treatment on total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, lipid hydroperoxide, and total free sulfydryl groups contents in normal and sulfite oxidase-deficient rat plasma.

PubMed

Herken, Emine Nur; Kocamaz, Erdogan; Erel, Ozcan; Celik, Hakim; Kucukatay, Vural

2009-08-01

Sulfites, which are commonly used as preservatives, are continuously formed in the body during the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfite oxidase (SOX) is an essential enzyme in the pathway of the oxidative degradation of sulfite to sulfate protecting cells from sulfite toxicity. This article investigated the effect of sulfite on total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status, lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), and total free sulfydryl groups (-SH) levels in normal and SOX-deficient male albino rat plasma. For this purpose, rats were divided into four groups: control, sulfite-treated, SOX-deficient, and sulfite-treated SOX-deficient groups. SOX deficiency was established by feeding rats a low molybdenum diet and adding to their drinking water 200 ppm tungsten. Sulfite (70 mg/kg) was administered to the animals via their drinking water. SOX deficiency together with sulfite treatment caused a significant increase in the plasma LOOH and total oxidant status levels. -SH content of rat plasma significantly decreased by both sulfite treatment and SOX deficiency compared to the control. There was also a significant decrease in plasma TAC level by sulfite treatment. In conclusion, sulfite treatment affects the antioxidant/oxidant balance of the plasma cells of the rats toward oxidants in SOX-deficient groups.

EFFECTS OF LASER RADIATION ON MATTER. LASER PLASMA: Physics of the plasma corona in the problem of laser controlled thermonuclear fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreev, N. E.; Gorbunov, Leonid M.; Tikhonchuk, Vladimir T.

1994-09-01

A brief analysis is made of the most important nonlinear processes which result from the interaction of laser radiation with thermonuclear targets. lt is shown that problems in the physics of the plasma corona should be an essential part of any programme of research on laser controlled thermonuclear fusion. A list is given of the problems that have to be solved first before going to the next level of laser energies.

Antidiabetic effect of flax and pumpkin seed mixture powder: effect on hyperlipidemia and antioxidant status in alloxan diabetic rats.

PubMed

Makni, Mohamed; Fetoui, Hamadi; Gargouri, Nabil K; Garoui, El Mouldi; Zeghal, Najiba

2011-01-01

Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. This study aims to examine the effects of flax and pumpkin powder seed mixture on alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Animals were allocated into three groups of six rats each: a control group (CD), diabetic group (DD) and diabetic rats fed with flax and pumpkin seed mixture (DMS) group. The diabetic rats (DD) presented a significant increase in glycemia, plasma and liver lipid parameters such as total lipid, total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group (CD). In addition, plasma and liver malonaldialdehyde levels (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation) significantly increased compared to (CD). Antioxidant enzymes activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels significantly decreased in the plasma and liver of diabetic rats compared to controls. Diet supplemented with flax and pumpkin seed mixture in the DMS group ameliorated antioxidant enzymes activities and level of GSH in diabetic rats and significantly decreased MDA levels. The present study revealed a significant increase in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase on diabetic status, indicating considerable hepatocellular injury. The administration of flax and pumpkin seed mixture attenuated the increased levels of the plasma enzymes produced by the induction of diabetes and caused a subsequent recovery towards normalization comparable to the control group animals. Our results thus suggest that flax and pumpkin seed mixture supplemented to diet may be helpful in preventing diabetic complications in adult rats. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The absorption of chlortetracycline following transscrotal instillation for the treatment of primary hydrocele testis.

PubMed

Bødker, A; Rasmussen, T B; Christensen, M B

1991-04-01

We describe the absorption of chlortetracycline from the emptied hydrocele sac, which was instilled to treat a primary hydrocele of the testis. The study included 7 patients and 2 control subjects who were given 500 mg. chlortetracycline. Plasma concentration was determined at 0, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after instillation, and in 2 patients plasma levels also were determined at 48 and 72 hours. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC1) was calculated in each case by using the trapezoidal rule. In the control group the plasma level was determined at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after instillation. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC2) was calculated by the formula AUC2 = Co/Kc. The fraction F of absorption can be expressed as F = AUC1/AUC2; median F = 0.67 (range 0.41 to 0.92). We conclude that chlortetracycline passes readily and almost completely through the tunica vaginalis lining the hydrocele sac.

Assessment of erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase activities in painters.

PubMed

Khan, Mohd Imran; Mahdi, Abbas Ali; Islam, Najmul; Rastogi, Subodh Kumar; Negi, M P S

2009-04-01

Thirty-five male painters in the age group of 20-50 years occupationally engaged in domestic and commercial painting for 5-12 years having blood lead levels (BLL)

Study of plasma environments for the integrated Space Station electromagnetic analysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Nagendra

1992-01-01

The final report includes an analysis of various plasma effects on the electromagnetic environment of the Space Station Freedom. Effects of arcing are presented. Concerns of control of arcing by a plasma contactor are highlighted. Generation of waves by contaminant ions are studied and amplitude levels of the waves are estimated. Generation of electromagnetic waves by currents in the structure of the space station, driven by motional EMF, is analyzed and the radiation level is estimated.

Performance, egg quality, and blood plasma chemistry of laying hens fed hempseed and hempseed oil.

PubMed

Neijat, M; Gakhar, N; Neufeld, J; House, J D

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of hens (feed intake, rate of lay, egg weight, and BW gain), egg quality and blood biochemistry (enzymes, electrolytes, proteins, and other plasma constituents) of laying hens fed diets containing hemp products. Forty-eight Lohmann LSL-Classic (white-egg layers; 19 wk of age) were individually caged and fed 1 of 6 wheat-barley-soybean-based diets for a period of 12 wk. The diets consisted of hempseed (HS; 10, 20, or 30%), hempseed oil (HO; 4.5 or 9.0%), or a control diet (corn oil-based). All diets were formulated to contain similar levels of crude fat (11%), energy (2,800 kcal/kg), and CP (17%). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the repeated measure analysis of the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. The results indicated that the inclusion of up to 30 and 9.0% HS and HO, respectively, to diets of laying hens had no significant effects on hen performance, egg quality, or plasma level of metabolites (proteins, glucose, uric acid, and cholesterol) and electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, P, and Ca). Overall plasma enzyme concentrations, particularly gamma-glutamyl transferase, were significantly (P < 0.01) lowest at the 10 and 20% levels of HS inclusion, or at the 4.5% HO level of inclusion of the hempseed products compared with the higher levels or control fed hens. Similar effects were also observed for plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels but with the HS enriched diets only (P < 0.05), particularly being lowest at the inclusion levels of 10 and 20% HS compared with the control. The results may imply a possible protective effect of HS- and HO-containing diets, particularly at 10% HS, 20% HS, and 4.5% HO levels, on liver damage/injury. In summary, both HO and HS appear to be well tolerated by laying hens as judged by markers of plasma clinical chemistry supporting the safety and efficacy of hemp products for use in laying hen rations. ©2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Effects of aspirin on intra-platelet vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and p-selectin levels in hypertensive patients.

PubMed

Nadar, Sunil; Blann, Andrew D; Lip, Gregory Y H

2006-09-01

Although aspirin is useful in reducing platelet activation and cardiovascular events, its effects on platelet levels of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), and markers of platelet activation in hypertension are unknown. The aim of this study was to study the effects of aspirin on the platelet morphology, plasma and platelet levels of VEGF (sVEGF and pVEGF respectively), Ang-1 (sAng-1 and pAng-1 respectively), and P-selectin (sPsel and pPsel respectively) in patients with well controlled hypertension. A total of 35 aspirin-naive, hypertensive patients (29 male and six female; mean age 64 years) were compared with 30 (23 male, seven female, mean age 59 years) normotensive control subjects. Blood was collected for plasma VEGF, P-selectin, and Ang-1 (enzyme-linked immunoassay), intra-platelet levels of VEGF, Ang-1, and P-selectin, and platelet volume and mass. Research indices in hypertensive patients were studied before and after 3 months treatment with aspirin 75 mg daily. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher plasma levels of VEGF (P=.04), Ang-1 (P<.001), as well as pVEGF (P=.008), pAng-1(P=.001), sPsel (P=.02), pPsel (P<.001), and mean platelet mass (P=.01) when compared with control subjects. After treatment with aspirin for 3 months, there were significant reductions in plasma VEGF (P=.01), pAng-1 (P=.04), sPsel (P=.001), and pPsel (P<.001) levels, but not levels of platelet VEGF and plasma Ang-1. Neither pVEGF nor pAng-1 correlated with blood pressure or with their respective plasma levels. The use of aspirin in high-risk hypertensive patients leads to a reduction in intra-platelet angiogenic growth factors and platelet activation. This may have implications for the use of aspirin in conditions (such as vascular disease) that have been associated with an increase in angiogenesis and platelet activation.

Ghrelin plasma levels in patients with idiopathic short stature.

PubMed

Iñiguez, Germán; Román, Rossana; Youlton, Ronald; Cassorla, Fernando; Mericq, Verónica

2011-02-01

Novel molecular insights have suggested that ghrelin may be involved in the pathogenesis of some forms of short stature. Recently, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) mutations that segregate with short stature have been reported. To study plasma ghrelin levels in prepubertal patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS). Fasting total plasma ghrelin levels (radioimmunoassay) in 41 prepubertal patients with ISS (18 females, age 7.9 ± 0.5 years) compared with 42 age- and sex-matched controls (27 females, age 8.0 ± 0.3 years) with normal height. In a subset of 28 patients, the ghrelin receptor was sequenced. ISS patients exhibited a higher level of ghrelin (1,458 ± 137 vs. 935 ± 55 pg/ml, p < 0.01) and similar IGF-I levels (-0.66 ± 1.29 vs. -0.32 ± 0.78 SDS) compared to controls. Ten patients with ISS had ghrelin levels greater than +2 SDS compared to controls. These patients did not differ in height, BMI or IGF-I SDS compared to ISS patients with ghrelin levels within the normal range. Molecular analysis of GHSR did not show any mutations, but showed some polymorphisms. These results suggest that in ISS patients, short stature does not appear to be frequently caused by abnormalities in ghrelin signaling. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Physical activity opposes the age-related increase in skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin-1 levels and normalizes plasma endothelin-1 levels in individuals with essential hypertension.

PubMed

Nyberg, M; Mortensen, S P; Hellsten, Y

2013-03-01

Endothelin-1 has potent constrictor and proliferative activity in vascular smooth muscle, and essential hypertension and aging are associated with increased endothelin-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity, hypertension and age on endothelin-1 levels in plasma and skeletal muscle and endothelin receptors in skeletal muscle in human subjects. In study 1, normotensive (46 ± 1 years, n = 11) and hypertensive (47 ± 1 years, n = 10) subjects were studied before and after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training. In study 2, young (23 ± 1 years, n = 8), older lifelong sedentary (66 ± 2 years, n = 8) and older lifelong endurance-trained (62 ± 2 years, n = 8) subjects were studied in a cross-sectional design. Skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin-1 levels were increased with age and plasma endothelin-1 levels were higher in hypertensive than normotensive individuals. Eight weeks of exercise training normalized plasma endothelin-1 levels in the hypertensive subjects and increased the protein expression of the ET(A) receptor in skeletal muscle of normotensive subjects. Similarly, individuals that had performed lifelong physical activity had similar plasma and muscle endothelin-1 levels as the young controls and had higher ET(A) receptor levels. Our findings suggest that aerobic exercise training opposes the age-related increase in skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin-1 levels and normalizes plasma endothelin-1 levels in individuals with essential hypertension. This effect may explain some of the beneficial effects of training on the cardiovascular system in older and hypertensive subjects. © 2012 The Authors Acta Physiologica © 2012 Scandinavian Physiological Society.

Plasma biomarkers in juvenile marine fish provide evidence for endocrine modulation potential of organotin compounds.

PubMed

Min, Byung Hwa; Kim, Bo-Mi; Kim, Moonkoo; Kang, Jung-Hoon; Jung, Jee-Hyun; Rhee, Jae-Sung

2018-08-01

Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT), have been widely used to control marine fouling. Here, we show that organotin stimulation reduces the hormone levels in the plasma of two economically important aquaculture fish. Blood plasma samples were collected from juvenile red seabream and black rockfish exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of TBT and TPT for 14 days. The levels of two plasma biomarkers, namely the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (VTG) and the sex steroid 17β-estradiol (E2), were measured to determine the endocrine disrupting potential of the organotin compounds. Both organotin compounds were dose-dependently accumulated in the blood of two fish. Exposure to waterborne TBT and TBT significantly decreased the plasma VTG levels in both the juvenile fish in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the treatment with E2, a well-known VTG inducer, significantly increased the plasma VTG levels in both the fish. In addition, the mRNA levels of vtg were also downregulated in the liver tissues of both the fish at 100 and/or 1000 ng L -1 of TBT or TPT exposure. The plasma E2 titers were significantly suppressed at 100 and/or 1000 ng L -1 of TBT or TPT exposure for 14 days compared to their titer in the control. Since estrogen directly regulates vtg gene expression and VTG synthesis, our results reveal the endocrine disrupting potential of organotin compounds, and subsequently the endocrine modulation at early stage of fish can trigger further fluctuations in sexual differentiation, maturation, sex ration or egg production. In addition, the results demonstrate their effects on non-target organisms, particularly on animals reared in aquaculture and fisheries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protein Z G79A polymorphism in Turkish pediatriccerebral infarct patients.

PubMed

Öztürk, Ayşenur; Eğin, Yonca; Deda, Gülhis; Teber, Serap; Akar, Nejat

2008-09-05

Protein Z (PZ) plays an enhancer role in coagulation as an anticoagulant. This is the first study in which G79A polymorphism investigated in Turkish paediatric stroke patients. Ninety-one paediatric stroke patients with cerebral ischemia and 70 control subjects were analyzed for PZ G79A and also FVL, PT mutations. PZ 79 'A' allele in homozygous state was found in five patients (5,5%), while it was found only in one control subject (1,4%) and it was seemed as a risk factor for peadiatric ischemia [OR=3,94 (0,44-35,1)]. When patients and controls who had FVL and PT carriers were excluded, AA genotype carried a risk [OR=3,88 (0,41-36,5)]. Also plasma protein Z levels measured in 21 stroke patients and 52 controls. Plasma protein Z levels were not different between stroke patients (500,95 ngmL-1±158,35) and controls (447,34 ngmL-1±165,97). But the plasma levels of protein Z was decreased in patients with AA genotype. Our data showed that carrying 79 AA genotype could be a genetic risk factor for cerebral infarct in peadiatric patients.

Increased endothelial and macrophage markers are associated with disease severity and mortality in scrub typhus.

PubMed

Otterdal, Kari; Janardhanan, Jeshina; Astrup, Elisabeth; Ueland, Thor; Prakash, John A J; Lekva, Tove; Abraham, O C; Thomas, Kurien; Damås, Jan Kristian; Mathews, Prasad; Mathai, Dilip; Aukrust, Pål; Varghese, George M

2014-11-01

Scrub typhus is endemic in the Asia-Pacific region. Mortality is high even with treatment, and further knowledge of the immune response during this infection is needed. This study was aimed at comparing plasma levels of monocyte/macrophage and endothelial related inflammatory markers in patients and controls in South India and to explore a possible correlation to disease severity and clinical outcome. Plasma levels of ALCAM, VCAM-1, sCD163, sCD14, YKL-40 and MIF were measured in scrub typhus patients (n = 129), healthy controls (n = 31) and in infectious disease controls (n = 31), both in the acute phase and after recovery, by enzyme immunoassays. Patients had markedly elevated levels of all mediators in the acute phase, differing from both healthy and infectious disease controls. During follow-up levels of ALCAM, VCAM-1, sCD14 and YKL-40 remained elevated compared to levels in healthy controls. High plasma ALCAM, VCAM-1, sCD163, sCD14, and MIF, and in particular YKL-40 were all associated with disease severity and ALCAM, sCD163, MIF and especially YKL-40, were associated with mortality. Our findings show that scrub typhus is characterized by elevated levels of monocyte/macrophage and endothelial related markers. These inflammatory markers, and in particular YKL-40, may contribute to disease severity and clinical outcome. Copyright © 2014 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coexistence of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg imbalances in patients with allergic asthma.

PubMed

Shi, Yu-heng; Shi, Guo-chao; Wan, Huan-ying; Jiang, Li-hua; Ai, Xiang-yan; Zhu, Hai-xing; Tang, Wei; Ma, Jia-yun; Jin, Xiao-yan; Zhang, Bo-ying

2011-07-05

Recent recognition is that Th2 response is insufficient to fully explain the aetiology of asthma. Other CD4(+) T cells subsets might play a role in asthma. We investigated the relative abundance and activities of Th1, Th2, Th17 and CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in patients with allergic asthma. Twenty-two patients with mild asthma, 17 patients with moderate to severe asthma and 20 healthy donors were enrolled. All patients were allergic to house dust mites. Plasma total IgE, pulmonary function and Asthma Control Questionnaire were assessed. The proportions of peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Th17 and CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines in plasma and in the culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined by enzyme linked, immunosorbent assay. The frequency of blood Th2 cells and IL-4 levels in plasma and culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were increased in all patients with allergic asthma. The frequency of Th17 cells and the plasma and culture supernatant levels of IL-17 were increased, whereas the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells and plasma IL-10 levels were decreased in patients with moderate to severe asthma. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgE levels were positively correlated with the percentage of blood Th2 cells and plasma IL-4 levels. Forced expiratory volume in the first second was negatively correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells and plasma IL-17 levels, and positively correlated with the frequency of Treg cells. However, mean Asthma Control Questionnaire scores were positively correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells and plasma IL-17 levels, and negatively correlated with the frequency of Treg cells. Imbalances in Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg were found in patients with allergic asthma. Furthermore, elevated Th17 cell responses, the absence of Tregs and an imbalance in Th17/Treg levels were associated with moderate to severe asthma.

Changes in plasma and urinary nitrite after birth in premature infants at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis

PubMed Central

Pun, Priti; Jones, Jesica; Wolfe, Craig; Deming, Douglas D.; Power, Gordon G.; Blood, Arlin B.

2016-01-01

Background Plasma nitrite serves as a reservoir of nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity. Because nitrite ingestion is markedly lower in newborns than adults, we hypothesized plasma nitrite levels would be lower in newborns than in adults, and that infants diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a disease characterized by ischemia and bacterial invasion of intestinal walls, would have lower levels of circulating nitrite in the days prior to diagnosis. Methods Single blood and urine samples were collected from 9 term infants and 12 adults, 72 preterm infants every 5 d for 3 wk, and from 13 lambs before and after cord occlusion. Results Nitrite fell 50% relative to cord levels in the first day after birth; and within 15 min after cord occlusion in lambs. Urinary nitrite was higher in infants than adults. Plasma and urinary nitrite levels in infants who developed NEC were similar to those of preterm control infants on days 1 and 5, but significantly elevated at 15 and 20 d after birth. Conclusion Plasma nitrite falls dramatically at birth while newborn urinary nitrite levels are significantly greater than adults. Acute NEC is associated with elevated plasma and urinary nitrite levels. PMID:26539663

Concentrations in plasma clozapine levels in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients.

PubMed

Iglesias García, Celso; Iglesias Alonso, Ana; Bobes, Julio

There is great variability in plasma levels of clozapine. The objective of this study is to know the characteristics of patients treated with clozapine and the relationship between them and the variability of plasma levels. Descriptive, cross-sectional study of all patients currently treated with clozapine in a Psychiatric Service with a diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis or schizoaffective disorder. The present study assessed physical situation, psychopathology and functionality of the patients and explored the associations and correlations between clinical variables and plasma levels. We studied 39 patients, predominantly men, with negative and depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors (metabolic syndrome and smoking). Significant variability in dose and even greater in clozapine levels were observed. The levels of clozapine at equal doses/kg of body weight were higher in non-smokers, they had positive correlation with BMI and negative correlation with systolic BP, disruptive behaviors and number of cigarettes consumed. Plasma level monitoring clozapine is an important tool to avoid clozapine plasma levels monitoring and minimize undesirable clinical situations (metabolic syndrome, sedation, negative symptoms and functional impairment). It is also important to control the effects of a smoking habit for optimum drug bioavailability. Copyright © 2017 SEP y SEPB. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

High Blood Caffeine Levels in MCI Linked to Lack of Progression to Dementia

PubMed Central

Cao, Chuanhai; Loewenstein, David A.; Lin, Xiaoyang; Zhang, Chi; Wang, Li; Duara, Ranjan; Wu, Yougui; Giannini, Alessandra; Bai, Ge; Cai, Jianfeng; Greig, Maria; Schofield, Elizabeth; Ashok, Raj; Small, Brent; Potter, Huntington; Arendash, Gary W.

2017-01-01

Although both human epidemiologic and animal model studies have suggested that caffeine/coffee protects against Alzheimer’s disease, direct human evidence for this premise has been lacking. In the present case-control study, two separate cohorts consisting of 124 total individuals (65–88 years old) were cognitively assessed and a blood sample taken for caffeine/biomarker analysis. Subjects were then monitored for cognitive status over the ensuing 2–4 year period to determine the extent to which initial plasma caffeine/biomarkers levels would be predictive of changes in cognitive status. Plasma caffeine levels at study onset were substantially lower (−51%) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects who later progressed to dementia (MCI→DEM) compared to levels in stable MCI subjects (MCI→MCI). Moreover, none of the MCI→DEM subjects had initial blood caffeine levels that were above a critical level of 1200 ng/ml, while half of stable MCI→MCI subjects had blood caffeine levels higher than that critical level. Thus, plasma caffeine levels greater than 1200 ng/ml (≈6 µM) in MCI subjects were associated with no conversion to dementia during the ensuing 2–4 year follow-up period. Among the 11 cytokines measured in plasma, three of them (GCSF, IL-10, and IL-6) were decreased in MCI→DEM subjects, but not in stable MCI→MCI subjects with high plasma caffeine levels. Coffee would appear to be the major or perhaps only source of caffeine for such stable MCI patients. This case-control study provides the first direct evidence that caffeine/coffee intake is associated with a reduced risk of dementia or delayed onset, particularly for those who already have MCI. PMID:22430531

Reduced levels of S-nitrosothiols in plasma of patients with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon.

PubMed

Kundu, Devi; Abraham, David; Black, Carol M; Denton, Christopher P; Bruckdorfer, K Richard

2014-12-01

S-Nitrosothiols (RSNOs) are bioactive forms of nitric oxide which are involved in cell signalling and redox regulation of vascular function. Circulating S-nitrosothiols are predominantly in the form of S-nitrosoalbumin. In this study plasma concentrations of S-nitrosothiols were measured in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) where NO metabolism is known to be abnormal. Venous blood was collected from 16 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), 45 with systemic sclerosis (SSc) (34 patients had limited SSc (IcSSc) and 11 diffuse cutaneous disease (dcSSc)). Twenty six healthy subjects were used as controls. Plasma S-nitrosothiol concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence. The measurements were related to the extent of biological age, capillary/skin scores and disease duration. Plasma RSNO levels in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and in those with SSc was significantly lower compared to the concentrations in control subjects. In SSc, plasma S-nitrosothiols were often below the level of detection (1nM). Low S-nitrosothiol concentrations were observed in the blood of patients with SSc and patients with RP indicating a profound disturbance of nitric oxide metabolism. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low plasma tryptophan is associated with olfactory function in healthy elderly community dwellers in Japan.

PubMed

Adachi, Yusuke; Shimodaira, Yoshiki; Nakamura, Hidehiro; Imaizumi, Akira; Mori, Maiko; Kageyama, Yoko; Noguchi, Yasushi; Seki, Asuka; Okabe, Yuki; Miyake, Yuko; Ono, Kaori; Kumagai, Shu

2017-10-16

Decreased circulating tryptophan (Trp) levels are frequently observed in elderly patients with neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer's disease. Trp may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease risk in elderly people. We aimed to investigate the association between low plasma Trp levels and olfactory function, which is known to predict age-related diseases including dementia in elderly people. A total of 144 healthy elderly Japanese community (≥ 65 years old) dwellers from the Health, Aging and Nutritional Improvement study (HANI study) were the subjects of our analysis. Low Trp levels were classified using the lower limit values of the reference interval according to a previous report. Olfactory function was assessed using a card-type test called Open Essence, which includes 12 odour items that are familiar to Japanese people. The elderly subjects with low circulating Trp levels were compared to a control group with normal plasma Trp levels. We conducted the analyses using 144 people aged 65 years or older (mean age 73.7 ± 5.5 years; 36.1% men). The subjects showed normal serum albumin levels (4.4 ± 0.2 g/dL) and no daily living disabilities. Low plasma Trp levels (low Trp group) were found in 11.1% of the study population. The low Trp group showed a significantly lower correct-answer rate for the items india ink, perfume, curry and sweaty smelling socks than control group (P < 0.05). There was also a significant association between low Trp levels and low olfactory ability, after adjusting for age and sex. Lower plasma Trp levels were associated with a decrease in olfactory function in functionally competent older individuals. Because olfactory dysfunction predicts age-related diseases, low plasma Trp levels may represent a clinical sign of disease risk in elderly people.

The plasma levels of soluble ST2 as a marker of gut mucosal damage in early HIV infection

PubMed Central

Mehraj, Vikram; Jenabian, Mohammad-Ali; Ponte, Rosalie; Lebouché, Bertrand; Costiniuk, Cecilia; Thomas, Réjean; Baril, Jean-Guy; LeBlanc, Roger; Cox, Joseph; Tremblay, Cécile; Routy, Jean-Pierre

2016-01-01

Objective: Following tissue barrier breaches, interleukin-33 (IL-33) is released as an ‘alarmin’ to induce inflammation. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), as an IL-33 decoy receptor, contributes to limit inflammation. We assessed the relationship between the IL-33/ST2 axis and markers of gut mucosal damage in patients with early (EHI) and chronic HIV infection (CHI) and elite controllers. Design: Analyses on patients with EHI and CHI were conducted to determine IL-33/sST2 changes over time. Methods: IL-33 and sST2 levels were measured in plasma. Correlations between sST2 levels and plasma viral load, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts, expression of T-cell activation/exhaustion markers, gut mucosal damage, microbial translocation and inflammation markers, as well as kynurenine/tryptophan ratio were assessed. Results: Plasma sST2 levels were elevated in EHI compared with untreated CHI and uninfected controls, whereas IL-33 levels were comparable in all groups. In EHI, sST2 levels were positively correlated with the CD8+ T-cell count and the percentage of T cells expressing activation and exhaustion markers, but not with viral load or CD4+ T-cell count. Plasma sST2 levels also correlated with plasma levels of gut mucosal damage, microbial translocation and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and for some markers of inflammation. Prospective analyses showed that early antiretroviral therapy had no impact on sST2 levels, whereas longer treatment duration initiated during CHI normalized sST2. Conclusion: As sST2 levels were elevated in EHI and were correlated with CD8+ T-cell count, immune activation, and microbial translocation, sST2 may serve as a marker of disease progression, gut damage and may directly contribute to HIV pathogenesis. PMID:27045377

Evaluating the efficacy of osteopontin expression as a prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma in the Indian subpopulation.

PubMed

Ingale, Yashwant; Routray, Samapika; Kheur, Supriya M; Kheur, Mohit; Mohanty, Neeta

2014-09-01

This study aimed to correlate the prognostic value of osteopontin (OPN) expression using both tissue and plasma samples from patients with clinically and histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study group comprised of sixty patients (n = 60), which were clinically and histologically diagnosed for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The Control group comprised of ten (n = 10) healthy volunteers. Plasma OPN levels were assayed using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (OPN ELISA). Expression of OPN was also identified and evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue sections. These OPN expressions were then correlated with different parameters like age, sex, site, clinical presentation, tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging, histopathological grading and lymph node metastasis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the difference in tissue intensity and plasma OPN levels between the OSCC and the normal control groups. The distribution of the plasma OPN levels and tissue OPN intensity in OSCC cohorts were compared to histopathological grades and analyzed. When evaluated OPN expression in tissue had higher intensity observed in OSCC (95% +ve) cases. And the mean plasma OPN concentration in OSCC cohort was more in comparison to the normal cohort. The results clearly showed that the plasma OPN levels and intensity grading in tissue correlated with tumor grades. The study highlights OPN as a biomarker for prognosis in OSCC in both plasma and tissue samples. We would like to emphasize on the evaluation of plasma OPN as a protocol of blood examination for all cancer patient, as it may serve as an indicator for tumor progression and potential risk of metastasis.

Circulating microRNA-144-5p is associated with depressive disorders.

PubMed

Wang, Xiao; Sundquist, Kristina; Hedelius, Anna; Palmér, Karolina; Memon, Ashfaque A; Sundquist, Jan

2015-01-01

Depressive/anxiety disorders are the most common types of mental illnesses in the world. The present study was the first to explore the association between plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) and depression/anxiety in primary care patients. In total, 169 patients (aged 20-64 years) from 16 primary health centers were enrolled in the present study. The healthy controls were consisted of 52 individuals. We first performed miRNA screening of plasma samples from 11 patients using a Serum/Plasma Focus microRNA Panel comprising 179 miRNA primer sets. Six miRNAs were differentially expressed and were then validated by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR in the entire study cohort. The mean plasma miR-144-5p level in the depression/anxiety patients increased significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.0001) after the 8-week follow-up. No significant associations were found between the differentially expressed miRNAs and a change in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S) score after the follow-up. In linear regression analysis, the plasma miR-144-5p expression level was inversely related to the depression score (MADRS-S) (β = -0.02, p < 0.01), after adjustment for sex and age, at baseline. In addition, plasma miR-144-5p levels at baseline in the depression/anxiety patients were significantly lower compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Our findings show that plasma miR-144-5p levels are associated with depressive symptoms. Although confirmatory analyses are required, plasma miRNA-144-5p is a potential peripheral biomarker for pathologic processes related to depression.

Plasma corticosteroid dynamics in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), during and after oxygen depletion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tomasso J.R., Davis; Parker, N.C.

1981-01-01

Plasma corticosteroid concentrations in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, (normally 1.0 ± 0.3 μg/100 ml) increased significantly (to 5.9 ± 1.2μg/100 ml) in response to acute oxygen depletion and then returned to control levels within 30 min after the dissolved oxygen concentration was increased; however, a secondary increase in plasma corticosteroid levels was observed 6 h after exposure. Corticosteroid levels also increased in fish exposed to dissolved oxygen concentration of <0.2 mg/1 for three days. Methylene blue was not effective in preventing interrenal response to low dissolved oxygen. No diurnal plasma corticosteroid rhythm was observed in fish exposed to diurnal chemical rhythms of culture ponds.

Follicle-stimulating hormone levels in male workers exposed to urban chemical, physical, and psychosocial stressors.

PubMed

Tomei, G; Tomao, E; Ciarrocca, M; Rosati, M V; Caciari, T; Gamberale, D; Palermo, P; De Sio, S; Tria, M; Panfili, A; Tomei, F

2009-07-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in traffic policemen compared to a control group. After excluding the subjects with main confounding factors, traffic policemen and male controls were matched by age, working life, body mass index (BMI), drinking habit, cigarette smoking history, and daily consumption of Italian coffee, 166 traffic policemen and 166 controls were included into the study. FSH levels were significantly higher in traffic policemen compared to male controls (P < 0.05). The distribution of FSH values in traffic policemen and controls was significant (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that occupational exposure to low doses of chemical and psychosocial stressors may alter plasma levels of FSH in traffic policemen more than in the control group. If the results obtained are confirmed by further research, the plasma levels of FSH may be used as early biological markers, valuable for the group, used in occupational set even before the appearance of disorders of male fertility.

Evolution of plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) levels during treatment in schizo-affective disorder.

PubMed

Galinowski, A; Castelnau, C; Spreux-Varoquaux, O; Bourdel, M C; Olie, J P; Loo, H; Poirier, M F

2000-11-01

1. Plasma Homovanillic Acid (p HVA) levels were measured by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) in 5 schizo-affective depressed patients receiving a standardized treatment. (lithium, chlorpromazine and clomipramine) during 4 weeks. 2. Four patients were pretreated, without a washout period. 3. No significant difference was observed between patients and normal controls at baseline. Under treatment, pHVA levels increased (p<0.02) with clinical improvement (MADRS and PANSS scores). 4. Although effects of medications prior to the study period were not controlled, these findings suggest that depressed schizo-affective patients may have normal pHVA levels that increase with clinical improvement, unlike schizophrenic patients whose increased pHVA concentrations decline with neuroleptic treatment.

The heterozygous N291S mutation in the lipoprotein lipase gene impairs whole-body insulin sensitivity and affects a distinct set of plasma metabolites in humans.

PubMed

Berg, Sofia Mikkelsen; Havelund, Jesper; Hasler-Sheetal, Harald; Kruse, Vibeke; Pedersen, Andreas James Thestrup; Hansen, Aleksander Bill; Nybo, Mads; Beck-Nielsen, Henning; Højlund, Kurt; Færgeman, Nils Joakim

Mutations in the lipoprotein lipase gene causing decreased lipoprotein lipase activity are associated with surrogate markers of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome in humans. We investigated the hypothesis that a heterozygous lipoprotein lipase mutation (N291S) induces whole-body insulin resistance and alterations in the plasma metabolome. In 6 carriers of a heterozygous lipoprotein lipase mutation (N291S) and 11 age-matched and weight-matched healthy controls, we examined insulin sensitivity and substrate metabolism by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps combined with indirect calorimetry. Plasma samples were taken before and after the clamp (4 hours of physiological hyperinsulinemia), and metabolites were measured enzymatically or by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compared with healthy controls, heterozygous carriers of a defective lipoprotein lipase allele had elevated fasting plasma levels triglycerides (P < .006), and markedly impaired insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rates (P < .024) and nonoxidative glucose metabolism (P < .015). Plasma metabolite profiling demonstrated lower circulating levels of pyruvic acid and α-tocopherol in the N291S carriers than in controls both before and after stimulation with insulin (all >1.5-fold change and P < .05). Heterozygous carriers with a defective lipoprotein lipase allele are less insulin sensitive and have increased plasma levels of nonesterified fatty acids and triglycerides. The heterozygous N291S carriers also have a distinct plasma metabolomic signature, which may serve as a diagnostic tool for deficient lipoprotein lipase activity and as a marker of lipid-induced insulin resistance. Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism in the 5' control region of the apolipoprotein(a) gene is associated with lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations in Caucasians.

PubMed Central

Trommsdorff, M; Köchl, S; Lingenhel, A; Kronenberg, F; Delport, R; Vermaak, H; Lemming, L; Klausen, I C; Faergeman, O; Utermann, G

1995-01-01

The enormous interindividual variation in the plasma concentrations of the atherogenic lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is almost entirely controlled by the apo(a) locus on chromosome 6q26-q27. A variable number of transcribed kringle4 repeats (K4-VNTR) in the gene explains a large fraction of this variation, whereas the rest is presently unexplained. We here have analyzed the effect of the K4-VNTR and of a pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism (TTTTA)n (n = 6-11) in the 5' control region of the apo(a) gene on plasma Lp(a) levels in unrelated healthy Tyroleans (n = 130), Danes (n = 154), and Black South Africans (n = 112). The K4-VNTR had a significant effect on plasma Lp(a) levels in Caucasians and explained 41 and 45% of the variation in Lp(a) plasma concentration in Tyroleans and Danes, respectively. Both, the pentanucleotide repeat (PNR) allele frequencies and their effects on Lp(a) concentrations were heterogeneous among populations. A significant negative correlation between the number of pentanucleotide repeats and the plasma Lp(a) concentration was observed in Tyroleans and Danes. The effect of the 5' PNRP on plasma Lp(a) concentrations was independent from the K4-VNTR and explained from 10 to 14% of the variation in Lp(a) concentrations in Caucasians. No significant effect of the PNRP was present in Black Africans. This suggests allelic association between PNR alleles and sequences affecting Lp(a) levels in Caucasians. Thus, in Caucasians but not in Blacks, concentrations of the atherogenic Lp(a) particle are strongly associated with two repeat polymorphisms in the apo(a) gene. Images PMID:7615785

Comparison of plasma levels of nutrient-related biomarkers among Japanese populations in Tokyo, Japan, São Paulo, Brazil, and Hawaii, USA.

PubMed

Iwasaki, Motoki; Franke, Adrian A; Hamada, Gerson S; Miyajima, Nelson T; Sharma, Sangita; Ishihara, Junko; Takachi, Ribeka; Tsugane, Shoichiro; Le Marchand, Loïc

2015-03-01

Previous studies of Japanese migrants have suggested that the increase in colorectal cancer rates occurring after migration is slower among Japanese Brazilians than among Japanese Americans. We hypothesized that this difference may partly reflect differences in vegetable and fruit intake between the populations. Using data from validation studies of food frequency questionnaires being used in comparative case-control studies of colorectal adenoma in Tokyo, São Paulo, and Hawaii, plasma carotenoid, retinol, tocopherol, and coenzyme Q10 levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels were compared by analysis of covariance between 142 Japanese in Tokyo, 79 Japanese Brazilians in São Paulo, and 78 Japanese Americans in Hawaii. Overall, we found significantly lower plasma carotenoid levels, except for lycopene levels, and retinol levels in Japanese Americans compared with Japanese in Tokyo and Japanese Brazilians. The plasma total carotenoid level was highest in Japanese Brazilians. Compared with the mean level among Japanese Brazilians (1741.2 ng/ml), P for difference was 0.03 among Japanese in Tokyo (1514.4 ng/ml) and less than 0.01 for Japanese Americans (1257.7 ng/ml). Plasma lycopene and tocopherol levels did not substantially differ between the three populations. We also found significantly lower plasma levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and total coenzyme Q10 in Japanese in Tokyo than in Japanese Americans and Japanese Brazilians. Higher levels of plasma carotenoids among Japanese Brazilians than among Japanese in Tokyo and Hawaii may have contributed to the slower pace of the increase in colorectal cancer rates observed in that population after migration.

Comparison of plasma levels of nutrient-related biomarkers among Japanese populations in Tokyo, Japan; São Paulo, Brazil; and Hawaii, USA

PubMed Central

Iwasaki, Motoki; Franke, Adrian A.; Hamada, Gerson Shigeaki; Miyajima, Nelson Tomio; Sharma, Sangita; Ishihara, Junko; Takachi, Ribeka; Tsugane, Shoichiro; Le Marchand, Loïc

2015-01-01

Objectives Previous studies of Japanese migrants have suggested that the increase in colorectal cancer rates occurring after migration is slower among Japanese Brazilians than Japanese Americans. We hypothesized that this difference may partly reflect differences in vegetable and fruit intake between populations. Methods Using data from validation studies of food frequency questionnaires being used in a comparative case-control study of colorectal adenoma in Tokyo, São Paulo, and Hawaii, plasma carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and coenzyme Q10 levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels were compared by analysis of covariance between 142 Japanese in Tokyo, 79 Japanese Brazilians in São Paulo, and 78 Japanese Americans in Hawaii. Results Overall, we found significantly lower plasma carotenoid levels, except for lycopene, and retinol levels in Japanese Americans than in Japanese in Tokyo and Japanese Brazilians. Plasma total carotenoids level was highest in Japanese Brazilians. Compared to mean level among Japanese Brazilians (1741.2 ng/mL), p for difference was 0.03 for Japanese in Tokyo (1514.4 ng/mL) and <0.01 for Japanese Americans (1257.7 ng/mL). Plasma lycopene and tocopherol levels did not substantially differ between the three populations. We also found significantly lower plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and total coenzyme Q10 levels in Japanese in Tokyo than in Japanese Americans and Japanese Brazilians. Conclusion Higher levels of plasma carotenoids among Japanese Brazilians than Japanese in Tokyo and Hawaii may contribute to the slower pace of increase in colorectal cancer rates observed in that population following migration. PMID:25633435

Feedback control of plasma instabilities with charged particle beams and study of plasma turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tham, Philip Kin-Wah

1994-01-01

A new non-perturbing technique for feedback control of plasma instabilities has been developed in the Columbia Linear Machine (CLM). The feedback control scheme involves the injection of a feedback modulated ion beam as a remote suppressor. The ion beam was obtained from a compact ion beam source which was developed for this purpose. A Langmuir probe was used as the feedback sensor. The feedback controller consisted of a phase-shifter and amplifiers. This technique was demonstrated by stabilizing various plasma instabilities to the background noise level, like the trapped particle instability, the ExB instability and the ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) driven instability. An important feature of this scheme is that the injected ion beam is non-perturbing to the plasma equilibrium parameters. The robustness of this feedback stabilization scheme was also investigated. The principal result is that the scheme is fairly robust, tolerating about 100% variation about the nominal parameter values. Next, this scheme is extended to the unsolved general problem of controlling multimode plasma instabilities simultaneously with a single sensor-suppressor pair. A single sensor-suppressor pair of feedback probes is desirable to reduce the perturbation caused by the probes. Two plasma instabilities the ExB and the ITG modes, were simultaneously stabilized. A simple 'state' feedback type method was used where more state information was generated from the single sensor Langmuir probe by appropriate signal processing, in this case, by differentiation. This proof-of-principle experiment demonstrated for the first time that by designing a more sophisticated electronic feedback controller, many plasma instabilities may be simultaneously controlled. Simple theoretical models showed generally good agreement with the feedback experimental results. On a parallel research front, a better understanding of the saturated state of a plasma instability was sought partly with the help of feedback. A plasma instability is usually observed in its saturated state and appears as a single feature in the frequency spectrum with a single azimuthal and parallel wavenumbers. The physics of the non-zero spectral width was investigated in detail because the finite spectral width can cause "turbulent" transport. One aspect of the "turbulence" was investigated by obtaining the scaling of the linear growth rate of the instabilities with the fluctuation levels. The linear growth rates were measured with the established gated feedback technique. The research showed that the ExB instability evolves into a quasi-coherent state when the fluctuation level is high. The coherent aspects were studied with a bispectral analysis. Moreover, the single spectral feature was discovered to be actually composed of a few radial harmonics. The radial harmonics play a role in the nonlinear saturation of the instability via three-wave coupling.

Performance assessment of a glucose control protocol in septic patients with an automated intermittent plasma glucose monitoring device.

PubMed

Umbrello, M; Salice, V; Spanu, P; Formenti, P; Barassi, A; Melzi d'Eril, G V; Iapichino, G

2014-10-01

The optimal level and modality of glucose control in critically ill patients is still debated. A protocolized approach and the use of nearly-continuous technologies are recommended to manage hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and glycemic variability. We recently proposed a pato-physiology-based glucose control protocol which takes into account patient glucose/carbohydrate intake and insulin resistance. Aim of the present investigation was to assess the performance of our protocol with an automated intermittent plasma glucose monitoring device (OptiScanner™ 5000). OptiScanner™ was used in 6 septic patients, providing glucose measurement every 15' from a side-port of an indwelling central venous catheter. Target level of glucose was 80-150 mg/dL. Insulin infusion and kcal with nutritional support were also recorded. 6 septic patients were studied for 319 h (1277 measurements); 58 [45-65] hours for each patient (measurements/patient: 231 [172-265]). Blood glucose was at target for 93 [90-98]% of study time. Mean plasma glucose was 126 ± 11 mg/dL. Only 3 hypoglycemic episodes (78, 78, 69 mg/dL) were recorded. Glucose variability was limited: plasma glucose coefficient of variation was 11.7 ± 4.0% and plasma glucose standard deviation was 14.3 ± 5.5 mg/dL. The local glucose control protocol achieved satisfactory glucose control in septic patients along with a high degree of safeness. Automated intermittent plasma glucose monitoring seemed useful to assess the performance of the protocol. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

High concentrate-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) increases plasma acute phase proteins (APPs) and cortisol in goats.

PubMed

Jia, Y Y; Wang, S Q; Ni, Y D; Zhang, Y S; Zhuang, S; Shen, X Z

2014-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate changes of stress status in dairy goats induced to subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). The level of acute phase proteins (APPs) including haptoglobin (HP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in plasma and their mRNA expression in liver, as well as plasma cortisol and genes expression of key factors controlling cortisol synthesis in adrenal cortex were compared between SARA and control goats. SARA was induced by feeding high concentrate diet (60% concentrate of dry matter) for 3 weeks (SARA, n=6), while control goats (Con, n=6) received a low concentrate diet (40% concentrate of dry matter) during the experimental time. SARA goats showed ruminal pH below 5.8 for more than 3 h per day, which was significantly lower than control goats (pH>6.0). SARA goats demonstrated a significant increase of hepatic HP and SAA mRNA expression (P<0.05), and the level of HP but not SAA in plasma was markedly increased compared with control (P<0.05). The level of cortisol in plasma showed a trend to increase in SARA goats (0.050.05). These results suggested that SARA goats experienced a certain stress status, exhibiting an increase in HP production and cortisol secretion.

Comparison of plasma and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid compositions in patients with end-stage renal disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Sertoglu, Erdim; Kurt, Ismail; Tapan, Serkan; Uyanik, Metin; Serdar, Muhittin A; Kayadibi, Huseyin; El-Fawaeir, Saad

2014-02-01

In this study, we aimed to compare the serum lipid profile and fatty acid (FA) compositions of erythrocyte membrane (EM) and plasma in three different patient groups (group 1: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)+end-stage renal disease (ESRD), group 2: ESRD, group 4: T2DM) and healthy controls (group 3) simultaneously. 40 ESRD patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) in Gulhane School of Medicine (20 with T2DM) and 32 controls (17 with T2DM, 15 healthy controls) were included in the study. Plasma and EM FA concentrations were measured by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Plasma and EM palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to controls (p=0.040 and p=0.002 for plasma, p=0.001 and p=0.010 for EM, respectively). EM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were also significantly lower in patients with ESRD+T2DM and ESRD compared to controls (p=0.004 and p=0.037, respectively). Patients with insulin resistance display a pattern of high long chain saturated FAs (PA, SA and arachidic acids). However, while there are no recognized standards for normal EM DHA content, decreased levels of EM DHA in ESRD patient groups (groups 1 and 2) suggest that there may be reduced endogenous synthesis of DHA in HD subjects, due to the decreased functionality of desaturase and elongase enzymes. Because membrane PUFA content affects membrane fluidity and cell signaling, these findings are worthy of further investigation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Carboxymethyllysine (An Advanced Glycation End Product) on Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Yang, Shuman; Pinney, Susan M.; Mallick, Palash; Ho, Shuk-Mei; Bracken, Bruce; Wu, Tianying

2015-01-01

Introduction Biomarkers of oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGE) have been linked to the development of prostate cancer, but evidence from human studies is either scarce or controversial. Materials and Methods We conducted a prospective nested case-control study among 48 men (24 prostate cancer cases and 24 controls) aged 48–76 years at baseline. The participants of our study were a part of the Fernald Community Cohort (FCC). Prostate cancer cases and controls were matched individually on age (± 3 years) with 1:1 ratio. Biomarkers included urine F2-isoprostanes (markers of lipid oxidation), plasma fluorescent oxidation products (FlOPs; markers of global oxidation) and carboxymethyllysine (CML; a major end-stage AGE). Results At baseline, cases had similar age, body mass index, proportion of family history of prostate cancer, history of benign prostatic hyperplasia, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, smokers and plasma glucose levels as compared to controls. Levels of plasma CML were significantly higher in cases than in controls (182 vs. 152 μg/ml, P < 0.05). In the conditional logistic regression model, an increase in CML equivalent to one standard deviation was associated with increased risk of incident prostate cancer (Relative risk = 1.79, 95% confidence interval = 1.00–3.21), and accounted for ~8% variance of prostate cancer liability. Urine F2-isoprostanes and plasma FlOPs were not associated with prostate cancer incidence. Conclusion Higher levels of plasma CML were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. This suggests a potential new pathway for prostate cancer prediction and treatment. PMID:25972296

Effects of Hypergravity Exposure on Plasma Oxytocin (OT) Concentrations in Pregnant and Lactating Rat Dams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baer, Lisa A.; Wade, Charles E.; Plaut, Karen; Ronca, April E.; Dalton, Bonnie (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

From pregnancy to weaning there is a progressive elevation of plasma oxytocin (OT) levels associated with nursing activity, irrespective of litter size. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of continuous 1.5G, 1.75G and 2.0G hypergravity exposure on OT plasma concentration in prepartum (Gestation Day 20) (G20) and lactating (Postnatal day) (P10) rat dams. For this study, litter size was controlled with a yoking procedure established in our lab where individual control litters were yoked-matched to individual hypergravity litters. We reviewed all data at hypergravity irrespective of gravitational level and compared the values with the controls in both G20 (HG, n=15;SC, n=9) and P10 (HG, n=21;SC, n=16). Results showed that over time, we did observe the expected OT increase in both groups. In G20 dams, measurement of OT concentrations showed no significance. However, at P10, measurements of OT concentrations suggest a reduction of about 20% compared to established controls in our laboratory, 0.9+/-0.09 ng/ml for the controls and 0.7+/-0.06 ng/ml for centrifuged animals (p<0.02). These data suggest that exposure to centrifugation may reduce OT levels during lactation. When these plasma samples were obtained, the dams were removed from the litters, and values were not adjusted for the size of the litters. The reduction in OT with centrifugation may reflect a decrease in nursing activity or a decreased responsiveness of the mammary hypothalamic axis. In addition, we have analyzed data on plasma prolactin concentrations and mammary gland development, which may give additional insight to the results of our OT measurements.

The 223A>G polymorphism of the leptin receptor gene is associated with macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Gan, Run-Tao; Yang, Shu-Sen

2012-04-01

To determine whether leptin receptor (LEPR) 223A>G polymorphism has an effect on the plasma leptin levels and the macroangiopathic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The genotypes and allelic frequencies of the LEPR 223A>G were examined with polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism in 301 patients with T2DM and 172 unrelated healthy subjects. The plasma concentrations of leptin were determined in all subjects. The mean plasma leptin levels in the T2DM group were significantly higher than that of controls and the plasma levels of leptin were higher in diabetic patients with macroangiopathy than in patients without macroangiopathy (P < 0.05). The genotype (GG, AG and AA) distribution of 223A>G polymorphism was 58.3, 32.5, and 9.2% in diabetic patients with macroangiopathy, 75.3, 22.1, and 2.6% in patients without macroangiopathy, and 70.3, 27.5, 2.2% in controls respectively, a significant difference was found between diabetic patients with and without macroangiopathy (P < 0.05). The frequency of the allele A was higher in patients with macroangiopathy than in patients without macroangiopathy (25.6 vs. 16.3%; P < 0.05). Moreover, the plasma leptin levels were markedly higher in patients with AA genotype than those with AG or GG genotype in patients with macroangiopathy (P < 0.05). The LEPR 223A>G gene polymorphism associated with a predisposition to increased plasma leptin levels could constitute a useful predictive marker for diabetic macroangiopathy.

Association of the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 gene with plasma apoCIII interacts with unfavorable lipid profiles to contribute to atherosclerosis in the Li ethnic group in China.

PubMed

Sun, Minzeng; Chen, Lin; Liu, Hui; Ma, Lihui; Wang, Tiansong; Liu, Yueli

2017-11-21

The SstI polymorphism in the apolipoprotein 3 gene (apoC3) has been identified in many ethnic groups. In addition, the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism is shown to be associated with increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. Plasma apoCIII is an important atherogenic factor, which interrupts lipid metabolism and is positively associated with plasma TG levels. However, the existence of the SstI polymorphism in the Li ethnic group in China remains to be confirmed. The relationship between the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism and plasma apoCIII or TG and their roles in atherosclerosis are also unknown. A cohort of 628 participants was recruited (316 atherosclerotic patients and 312 healthy controls) from both the Li and Han ethnic groups. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate the SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 and lipid profiles. Chi-squared and t-tests and multiple unconditional logistic regression were employed to analyze the genotypic and allelic frequencies and lipid profiles using SPSS version 20.0 software. The SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 was identified in the Li ethnic group. The S2 allele and plasma apoCIII and TG levels were associated with the development of atherosclerosis (P < 0.01, S2 allele and apoCIII; P < 0.05, TG) in the Li ethnic group. The S2 allele was associated with increased plasma apoCIII levels in the atherosclerotic group (P < 0.01), but with increased plasma apoCIII and TG levels in control group (both P < 0.01). In addition to the increases in the S2 allele frequency and plasma TG and apoCIII levels, atherosclerotic patients in the Li ethnic group also exhibited increased apoB, decreased HDL-C and apoAI and a lower apoAI:apoB ratio (all P < 0.01). Our results indicate that the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 gene is associated with plasma apoCIII levels in the Li population. In combination with unfavorable lipid profiles, this might contribute to susceptibility to atherosclerosis.

Calcium and phosphorus regulatory hormones and risk of incident symptomatic kidney stones.

PubMed

Taylor, Eric N; Hoofnagle, Andrew N; Curhan, Gary C

2015-04-07

Calcium and phosphorus regulatory hormones may contribute to the pathogenesis of calcium nephrolithiasis. However, there has been no prospective study to date of plasma hormone levels and risk of kidney stones. This study aimed to examine independent associations between plasma levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine and the subsequent risk of incident kidney stones. This study was a prospective, nested case-control study of men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who were free of diagnosed nephrolithiasis at blood draw. During 12 years of follow-up, 356 men developed an incident symptomatic kidney stone. Using risk set sampling, controls were selected in a 2:1 ratio (n=712 controls) and matched for age, race, and year, month, and time of day of blood collection. Baseline plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine were similar in cases and controls. Mean 1,25(OH)2D and median FGF23 levels were higher in cases than controls but differences were small and statistically nonsignificant (45.7 versus 44.2 pg/ml, P=0.07 for 1,25[OH]2D; 47.6 versus 45.1 pg/ml, P=0.08 for FGF23). However, after adjusting for body mass index, diet, plasma factors, and other covariates, the odds ratios of incident symptomatic kidney stones in the highest compared with lowest quartiles were 1.73 (95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 2.71; P for trend 0.01) for 1,25(OH)2D and 1.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 2.19; P for trend 0.03) for FGF23. There were no significant associations between other plasma factors and kidney stone risk. Higher plasma 1,25(OH)2D, even in ranges considered normal, is independently associated with higher risk of symptomatic kidney stones. Although of borderline statistical significance, these findings also suggest that higher FGF23 may be associated with risk. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Impaired adipose tissue lipid storage, but not altered lipolysis, contributes to elevated levels of NEFA in type 2 diabetes. Degree of hyperglycemia and adiposity are important factors.

PubMed

Pereira, Maria J; Skrtic, Stanko; Katsogiannos, Petros; Abrahamsson, Niclas; Sidibeh, Cherno O; Dahgam, Santosh; Månsson, Marianne; Risérus, Ulf; Kullberg, Joel; Eriksson, Jan W

2016-12-01

Elevated levels of circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) mediate many adverse metabolic effects. In this work we aim to determine the impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D), glycemic control and obesity on lipolysis regulation. 20 control and 20 metformin-treated T2D subjects were matched for sex (10M/10 F), age (58±11 vs 58±9 y) and BMI (30.8±4.6 vs 30.7±4.9kg/m 2 ). In vivo lipolysis was assessed during a 3h-OGTT with plasma glycerol and NEFA levels. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) biopsies were obtained to measure mRNA and metabolite levels of factors related to lipolysis and lipid storage and to assess in vitro lipolysis in isolated subcutaneous adipocytes. Plasma NEFA AUC during the OGTT where higher 30% (P=0.005) in T2D than in control subjects, but plasma glycerol AUC and subcutaneous adipocyte lipolysis in vitro were similar, suggesting that adipose tissue lipolysis is not altered. Expression in SAT of genes involved in lipid storage (FABP4, DGAT1, FASN) were reduced in T2D subjects compared with controls, but no differences were seen for genes involved in lipolysis. T2D subjects had elevated markers of beta-oxidation, α-hydroxybutyrate (1.4-fold, P<0.01) and β-hydroxybutyrate (1.7-fold, P<0.05) in plasma. In multivariate analysis, HbA1c, visceral adipose tissue volume and sex (male) were significantly associated with NEFA AUC in T2D subjects. In T2D subjects, NEFA turnover is impaired, but not due to defects in lipolysis or lipid beta-oxidation. Impaired adipose NEFA re-esterification or de novo lipogenesis is likely to contribute to higher NEFA plasma levels in T2D. The data suggest that hyperglycemia and adiposity are important contributing factors for the regulation of plasma NEFA concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changes in plasma ghrelin and leptin levels in patients with peptic ulcer and gastritis following eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection.

PubMed

Kasai, Chika; Sugimoto, Kazushi; Moritani, Isao; Tanaka, Junichiro; Oya, Yumi; Inoue, Hidekazu; Tameda, Masahiko; Shiraki, Katsuya; Ito, Masaaki; Takei, Yoshiyuki; Takase, Kojiro

2016-10-04

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and eradication therapy have been known to influence gastric ghrelin and leptin secretion, which may lead to weight gain. However, the exact relationship between plasma ghrelin/leptin levels and H. pylori infection has remained controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma ghrelin and leptin levels in H. pylori-positive and -negative patients, to compare the two levels of the hormones before and after H. pylori eradication, and to examine the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and active ghrelin or leptin levels, as well as that between atrophic pattern and active ghrelin or leptin levels. Seventy-two H. pylori-positive patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 46 diagnosed as having peptic ulcer and 26 as atrophic gastritis, were enrolled. Control samples were obtained from 15 healthy H. pylori-negative volunteers. The extent of atrophic change of the gastric mucosa was assessed endoscopically. Body weight was measured and blood was collected before and 12 weeks after H. pylori eradication therapy. Blood samples were taken between 8 and 10 AM after an overnight fast. Plasma ghrelin levels were significantly lower in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative patients. In particular, plasma active ghrelin levels were significantly lower in patients with gastritis compared with patients with peptic ulcer. Plasma ghrelin levels decreased after H. pylori eradication in both peptic ulcer and gastritis patients, while plasma leptin levels increased only in peptic ulcer patients. Plasma leptin levels and BMI were positively correlated, and active ghrelin levels and atrophic pattern were weakly negatively correlated in peptic ulcer patients. H. pylori infection and eradication therapy may affect circulating ghrelin/leptin levels. This finding suggests a relationship between gastric mucosal injury induced by H. pylori infection and changes in plasma ghrelin and leptin levels.

Effects of dietary inclusions of red beet and betaine on the acute stress response and muscle lipid peroxidation in rainbow trout.

PubMed

Pinedo-Gil, Julia; Martín-Diana, Ana Belén; Bertotto, Daniela; Sanz-Calvo, Miguel Ángel; Jover-Cerdá, Miguel; Tomás-Vidal, Ana

2018-06-01

This study evaluates the effects of red beet (RB) and betaine on rainbow trout submitted to an acute stress challenge. A control diet was compared with four experimental diets in which red beet (14 and 28%) and betaine (0.9 and 1.63%) were incorporated in different concentrations according to a factorial design. Cortisol in plasma and fin, glucose and lactate plasma levels, and malondialdehide (MDA) in muscle were all measured before the stress challenge and 30 min and 6 and 12 h after the stress challenge as parameters to determine the diet effects. RB and betaine had no effect on cortisol, glucose, and MDA basal levels. However, lactate basal levels were significantly lower on fish fed with RB and betaine. Thirty minutes after the stress challenge, there was a significant increase in plasma and fin cortisol, glucose and lactate concentrations, although fish fed with diets containing RB and betaine showed significantly higher plasma cortisol values. MDA values of fish fed with 14% RB and 0.9% betaine were significantly higher than MDA values from fish fed with 28% RB and 1.63% betaine. After 6 and 12 h, plasma and fin cortisol and lactate levels recovered in a similar trend. Glucose plasma levels recovered in almost all groups 12 h after the stress. Also, MDA values recovered basal levels after 6 and 12 h. RB and betaine did not enhance the tolerance to the stress challenge compared to the control group, although the presence of these ingredients had no negative effect on any of the stress indicators.

Increased plasma PYY levels following supplementation with the functional fiber PolyGlycopleX in healthy adults.

PubMed

Reimer, R A; Pelletier, X; Carabin, I G; Lyon, M; Gahler, R; Parnell, J A; Wood, S

2010-10-01

A variety of dietary fibers have been shown to alter satiety hormone gene expression and secretion. The objective of this study was to examine plasma satiety hormone concentrations in healthy subjects consuming either PolyGlycopleX (PGX) or control (skim milk powder) for 21 days. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted in 54 healthy male and female adults. Participants consumed 5 g per day of PGX or control for 1 week followed by 2 additional weeks of 10 g per day of assigned product (n=27 per group). Primary outcomes measured at three visits (V1, V2 and V3) were plasma active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) total ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY) and insulin. There was a significant effect of visit for fasting PYY with control participants experiencing decreased PYY levels over time while PGX prevented this decline. When stratified by body mass index (BMI), PGX increased fasting PYY levels from week 1 to week 3 compared with control in participants with BMI <23 kg/m(2). There was a significant effect of visit for fasting ghrelin with levels decreasing in both PGX and control groups over time. No differences were detected in fasting GLP-1 levels. Although there was a 14% reduction in fasting insulin between V1 and V3 with PGX this was not significantly different from control. PGX is a highly viscous, functional fiber that modifies satiety hormone secretion in healthy adults. Its' potential to act similarly in overweight adults warrants investigation.

One-Dimensional Spacecraft Formation Flight Testbed for Terrestrial Charged Relative Motion Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seubert, Carl R.

Spacecraft operating in a desired formation offers an abundance of attractive mission capabilities. One proposed method of controlling a close formation of spacecraft is with Coulomb (electrostatic) forces. The Coulomb formation flight idea utilizes charge emission to drive the spacecraft to kilovolt-level potentials and generate adjustable, micronewton- to millinewton-level Coulomb forces for relative position control. In order to advance the prospects of the Coulomb formation flight concept, this dissertation presents the design and implementation of a unique one-dimensional testbed. The disturbances of the testbed are identified and reduced below 1 mN. This noise level offers a near-frictionless platform that is used to perform relative motion actuation with electrostatics in a terrestrial atmospheric environment. Potentials up to 30 kV are used to actuate a cart over a translational range of motion of 40 cm. A challenge to both theoretical and hardware implemented electrostatic actuation developments is correctly modeling the forces between finite charged bodies, outside a vacuum. To remedy this, studies of Earth orbit plasmas and Coulomb force theory is used to derive and propose a model of the Coulomb force between finite spheres in close proximity, in a plasma. This plasma force model is then used as a basis for a candidate terrestrial force model. The plasma-like parameters of this terrestrial model are estimated using charged motion data from fixed-potential, single-direction experiments on the testbed. The testbed is advanced to the level of autonomous feedback position control using solely Coulomb force actuation. This allows relative motion repositioning on a flat and level track as well as an inclined track that mimics the dynamics of two charged spacecraft that are aligned with the principal orbit axis. This controlled motion is accurately predicted with simulations using the terrestrial force model. This demonstrates similarities between the partial charge shielding of space-based plasmas to the electrostatic screening in the laboratory atmosphere.

Plasma Amyloid Is Associated with White Matter and Subcortical Alterations and Is Modulated by Age and Seasonal Rhythms in Mouse Lemur Primates.

PubMed

Gary, Charlotte; Hérard, Anne-Sophie; Hanss, Zoé; Dhenain, Marc

2018-01-01

Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain is a critical early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. There is increasing interest in measuring levels of plasma Aβ since this could help in diagnosis of brain pathology. However, the value of plasma Aβ in such a diagnosis is still controversial and factors modulating its levels are still poorly understood. The mouse lemur ( Microcebus murinus ) is a primate model of cerebral aging which can also present with amyloid plaques and whose Aβ is highly homologous to humans'. In an attempt to characterize this primate model and to evaluate the potential of plasma Aβ as a biomarker for brain alterations, we measured plasma Aβ 40 concentration in 21 animals aged from 5 to 9.5 years. We observed an age-related increase in plasma Aβ 40 levels. We then evaluated the relationships between plasma Aβ 40 levels and cerebral atrophy in these mouse lemurs. Voxel-based analysis of cerebral MR images (adjusted for the age/sex/brain size of the animals), showed that low Aβ 40 levels are associated with atrophy of several white matter and subcortical brain regions. These results suggest that low Aβ 40 levels in middle-aged/old animals are associated with brain deterioration. One special feature of mouse lemurs is that their metabolic and physiological parameters follow seasonal changes strictly controlled by illumination. We evaluated seasonal-related variations of plasma Aβ 40 levels and found a strong effect, with higher plasma Aβ 40 concentrations in winter conditions compared to summer. This question of seasonal modulation of Aβ plasma levels should be addressed in clinical studies. We also focused on the amplitude of the difference between plasma Aβ 40 levels during the two seasons and found that this amplitude increases with age. Possible mechanisms leading to these seasonal changes are discussed.

Vitamin D Levels in Takayasu's Arteritis and a Review of the Literature on Vasculitides.

PubMed

Alibaz-Oner, Fatma; Asmaz-Haliloglu, Özlem; Gogas-Yavuz, Dilek; Can, Meryem; Haklar, Goncagul; Direskeneli, Haner

2016-09-01

Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic, large-vessel vasculitis. Vitamin D, as a steroidal hormone, has recently been shown to have immunoregulatory and immunosuppressive effects. Low vitamin D levels are demonstrated in various autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate vitamin D levels in patients with TAK. A comprehensive review of vitamin D levels in systemic vasculitides (SVs) is also performed. The study included 36 patients with TAK, 28 patients with Behçet's disease (BD) as disease control and 30 sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) vit D) levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. "Deficiency" was defined as 25(OH) vit D levels below 25 nmol/l and "insufficiency" as below 50 nmol/l. Plasma 25(OH) vit D levels were significantly lower in TAK patients (16.93 ± 10.62 nmol/l) than healthy controls (64.63 ± 21.82 nmol/l). Vitamin D level in BD patients (38.8 ± 20.9 nmol/l) is lower than healthy controls but higher than TAK patients. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was 83.3% in patients with TAK compared to 3.3% in healthy controls. Plasma 25(OH) vit D levels were same between clinically active and inactive patients. In literature review, very few studies were found to investigate vitamin D in SVs. We observed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with TAK. As various immune effects of vitamin D on mononuclear cells and arterial endothelium is shown, vitamin D deficiency can be a predisposing factor for immune activation in SV. We therefore suggest monitorization and replacement of vitamin D status in all TAK and other SV patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine in somatically healthy schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics: a case-control study.

PubMed

Jorgensen, Anders; Knorr, Ulla; Soendergaard, Mia Greisen; Lykkesfeldt, Jens; Fink-Jensen, Anders; Poulsen, Henrik Enghusen; Jorgensen, Martin Balslev; Olsen, Niels Vidiendal; Staalsø, Jonatan Myrup

2015-04-03

Schizophrenia is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase, and the L-arginine:ADMA ratio are markers of endothelial dysfunction that predict mortality and adverse outcome in a range of cardiovascular disorders. Increased ADMA levels may also lead to increased oxidative stress. We hypothesized that ADMA and the L-arginine:ADMA ratio are increased in somatically healthy schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics (AAP), and that the ADMA and the L-arginine: ADMA ratio are positively correlated to measures of oxidative stress. We included 40 schizophrenia patients treated with AAP, but without somatic disease or drug abuse, and 40 healthy controls. Plasma concentrations of ADMA and L-arginine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were related to markers of systemic oxidative stress on DNA, RNA and lipids, as well as measures of medication load, duration of disease and current symptomatology. Plasma ADMA and the L-arginine:ADMA ratio did not differ between schizophrenia patients and controls. Furthermore, ADMA and the L-arginine:ADMA ratio showed no correlations with oxidative stress markers, medication load, or Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores. Schizophrenia and treatment with AAP was not associated with increased levels of plasma ADMA or the L-arginine:ADMA ratio. Furthermore, plasma levels of ADMA were not associated with levels of systemic oxidative stress in vivo.

Analyses of plasma for metabolic and hormonal changes in rats flown aboard Cosmos 2044

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merrill, Alfred H., Jr.; Wang, Elaine; Mullins, Richard E.; Grindeland, Richard E.; Popova, Irina A.

1992-01-01

Plasmas samples from rats flown aboard Cosmos 2044 were analyzed for the levels of key metabolites, electrolytes, enzymes, and hormones. The major differences between the flight group and the synchronous control were elevations in glucose, cholesterol, phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase and decreased levels of thyroxine. Most of these differences were not mimicked by tail suspension of ground-based rats; however, both flight and suspended rats exhibited inhibited testosterone secretion. Corticosterone, immunoreactive growth hormone, and prolactin showed inconsistent differences from the various control groups, suggesting that the levels of these hormones were not due to actual or simulated microgravity.

Association Between Plasma Level of Galectin-9 and Survival of Patients With Drug-Induced Acute Liver Failure.

PubMed

Rosen, Hugo R; Biggins, Scott W; Niki, Toshiro; Gralla, Jane; Hillman, Holly; Hirashima, Mitsuomi; Schilsky, Michael; Lee, William M

2016-04-01

Fewer than 50% of patients with acute liver failure (ALF) recover spontaneously, and ALF has high mortality without liver transplantation. Kupffer cells have been reported to mediate liver inflammation during drug-induced injury. Galectin-9 is produced by Kupffer cells and has diverse roles in regulating immunity. We investigated whether plasma levels of galectin-9 are associated with outcomes of patients with ALF. We analyzed plasma samples (collected at time of hospital admission) and clinical data from 149 patients included in the Acute Liver Failure Study Group from July 2006 through November 2010 (110 had acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and 39 had nonacetaminophen drug-induced liver injury). We compared data with those from all patients enrolled in the study (from July 1, 2006 through October 30, 2013), and from healthy individuals of similar ages with no evidence of liver disease (control subjects). Plasma levels of galectin-9 were measured using a polyclonal antibody and colorimetric assay. Patients with ALF had statistically higher plasma levels of galectin-9 than control subjects, but levels did not differ significantly between patients with acetaminophen-induced liver injury and drug-induced liver injury. A level of galectin-9 above 690 pg/mL was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk for mortality or liver transplantation caused by ALF. Competing risk analyses associated level of galectin-9 with transplant-free survival, independently of Model For End-Stage Liver Disease score or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. A one-time measurement of plasma galectin-9 level can be used to assign patients with ALF to high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups. The combination of galectin-9 level and Model For End-Stage Liver Disease score was more closely associated with patient outcome than either value alone. These data might be used to determine patient prognoses and prioritize patients for liver transplantation. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT00518440. Copyright © 2016 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The influence of hydroxyurea on oxidative stress in sickle cell anemia

PubMed Central

Torres, Lidiane de Souza; da Silva, Danilo Grünig Humberto; Belini Junior, Edis; de Almeida, Eduardo Alves; Lobo, Clarisse Lopes de Castro; Cançado, Rodolfo Delfini; Ruiz, Milton Artur; Bonini-Domingos, Claudia Regina

2012-01-01

Objective The oxidative stress in 20 sickle cell anemia patients taking hydroxyurea and 13 sickle cell anemia patients who did not take hydroxyurea was compared with a control group of 96 individuals without any hemoglobinopathy. Methods Oxidative stress was assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactive species production, the Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity and plasma glutathione levels. Results Thiobarbituric acid reactive species values were higher in patients without specific medication, followed by patients taking hydroxyurea and the Control Group (p < 0.0001). The antioxidant capacity was higher in patients taking hydroxyurea and lower in the Control Group (p = 0.0002 for Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity and p < 0.0292 for plasma glutathione). Thiobarbituric acid reactive species levels were correlated with higher hemoglobin S levels (r = 0.55; p = 0.0040) and lower hemoglobin F concentrations(r = -0.52; p = 0.0067). On the other hand, plasma glutathione levels were negatively correlated with hemoglobin S levels (r = -0.49; p = 0.0111) and positively associated with hemoglobin F values (r = 0.56; p = 0.0031). Conclusion Sickle cell anemia patients have high oxidative stress and, conversely, increased antioxidant activity. The increase in hemoglobin F levels provided by hydroxyurea and its antioxidant action may explain the reduction in lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant defenses in these individuals. PMID:23323065

Differential effects of mental stress on plasma homovanillic acid in schizophrenia and normal controls.

PubMed

Sumiyoshi, T; Saitoh, O; Yotsutsuji, T; Itoh, H; Kurokawa, K; Kurachi, M

1999-04-01

We previously reported that mental stress by Kraepelin's arithmetic test decreases plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels in psychiatrically normal healthy human subjects. The present study was undertaken to determine whether this pattern of changes in pHVA concentrations resulting from mental stress is altered in patients with schizophrenia. Fourteen male patients with schizophrenia including those under ongoing neuroleptic treatment and 14 normal male volunteers participated in the study. Following overnight fast and restricted physical activity, the subjects performed Kraepelin's arithmetic test for 30 minutes. Plasma samples were collected immediately before and after the test for measurement of pHVA levels. A significant diagnosis by Kraepelin's test effect was observed due to a decrease in pHVA levels by the Kraepelin test in control subjects but not in patients with schizophrenia. Changes in pHVA levels during the Kraepelin test positively correlated with pre-test pHVA levels in control subjects, while this correlation was not observed in patients with schizophrenia. These results may be further support for the presence of a dopamine-dependent restitutive system in the brain. The absence of response of pHVA levels to mental stress in patients with schizophrenia may indicate that the dopamine restitutive system in these patients is disrupted or already down-regulated, as previously predicted.

Pressure pain threshold and β-endorphins plasma level are higher in lean polycystic ovary syndrome women.

PubMed

Kiałka, Marta; Milewicz, Tomasz; Mrozińska, Sandra; Rogatko, Iwona; Sztefko, Krystyna; Majewska, Renata

2017-12-01

Despite some evidence that indicates that the evolution of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to the activity of the endogenous opioid system, and that concentration of plasma β-endorphin levels can increase pain threshold, there are no studies which evaluate pressure pain threshold in the PCOS women population. In 48 lean women with PCOS and 38 lean women without this disorder plasma β-endorphins and PPT were measured. The β-endorphins level was higher in the PCOS group compared to the controls (15.28±2.49 pg/mL vs. 6.33±1.71 pg/mL, P<0.001). In PCOS group PPTs measured on deltoid and trapezius muscles were higher compared to the controls (9.33±1.3 kg/cm² vs. 5.19±0.57 kg/cm², P<0.001; 8.23±1.04 kg/cm² vs. 4.79±0.55 kg/cm², P<0.001). The β-endorphin levels positively correlated with PPTs in PCOS group. Increase in β-endorphin level of 1 pg/mL was associated with increase of PPT value on deltoid muscle of 0.23 kg/cm² (R=0.632, P=0.011) and of 0.18 kg/cm² on trapezius muscle (R=0.588, P=0.037). There were no correlations between testosterone level and PPT in PCOS group. β-endorphin serum level as well as PPT are higher in lean PCOS group than in controls. We found correlations between β-endorphin levels and PPT in the PCOS group. It may suggest the role of endogenous opioids in the pathogenesis of PCOS and also that the increases in circulating plasma β-endorphins concentration can increases PPT in this group.

Glucose Intolerance, Plasma Insulin Levels, and Colon Adenomas in Japanese Men

PubMed Central

Kono, Suminori; Abe, Hiroshi; Eguchi, Hiroyuki; Shimazaki, Kae; Hatano, Ben; Hamada, Hiroaki

2001-01-01

Hyperinsulinemia may be related to colon carcinogenesis. Several studies have suggested that diabetes mellitus is related to increased risk of colon cancer. We examined cross‐sectionally the relation of fasting plasma insulin levels and glucose tolerance status to colon adenomas. In a consecutive series of 951 men undergoing total colonoscopy for a health examination at the Japan Self Defense Forces Fukuoka Hospital from April 1998 to August 1999, we identified 233 cases of colon adenomas and 497 controls with normal colonoscopy. Glucose tolerance status was determined by a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, and subjects were classified as normal, unpaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Plasma insulin levels were measured after subjects had fasted overnight. Logistic regression analysis and analysis of covariance was used to control for age and obesity. While plasma insulin levels were unrelated to colon adenomas, NIDDM was associated with a significantly increased risk of colon adenomas. There was no association between IGT and colon adenomas. NIDDM was more strongly associated with proximal colon adenomas. The findings suggest that long‐term hyperinsulinemic status associated with NIDDM may increase the risk of colon adenomas, and subsequently of colon cancer. PMID:11509114

Postnatal development of plasma amino acids in hyperphagic rats.

PubMed

Salvadó, M J; Segués, T; Arola, L

1991-01-01

The effect of feeding a highly palatable high-energy cafeteria diet on individual amino acid levels in plasma during postnatal development of the rat has been evaluated and compared to chow-fed controls. The cafeteria diet selected by the rats was hypercaloric and hyperlipidic, with practically the same amount of carbohydrate as the control diet, and slightly hyperproteic. In response to cafeteria feeding, significant decreases were observed in plasma serine and cysteine along the period studied. Significant changes with age during the growth period were shown by cafeteria-fed animals, which were not observed in control rats. Citrulline levels were lower on days 10 and 14 in cafeteria pups than in chow pups. Methionine was highest on day 30. Threonine was also higher at days 20 and 30, as was valine but with a nadir at day 10. Lysine showed maximal values on days 14 and 30.

The relationship between bone health and plasma zinc, copper lead and cadmium concentration in osteoporotic women.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Naficeh; Oveisi, Mohammad Reza; Jannat, Behrooz; Hajimahmoodi, Mannan; Behzad, Masoomeh; Behfar, Abdolazim; Sadeghi, Fatemeh; Saadatmand, Sahereh

2014-01-01

Osteoporosis is a multi factorial disease with dimension of genetic and nutritional considerations. The aim of this study was to present data from the association of plasma zinc, copper and toxic elements of lead and cadmium levels with bone mineral density in Iranian women. 135 women gave their information and enrolled. Fasting plasma was used for measurement of trace elements and heavy metals by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry. Control group (n = 51) were normal in both lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck density (T-score ≥ -1), but just femoral neck T-score was considered as criterion in selection of patient group (n = 49, Tscore < -1). No differences were found in the nutritional status, number of diseases, drugs and functional activities between these groups. Plasma Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd levels were analyzed by, a method of voltammetry. Mean ± SD levels of copper and zinc was 1.168 ± 0.115, 1.097 ± 0.091 μg/ml in control group, 1.394 ± 0.133, 1.266 ± 0.11 μg/ml in total patient (TP) and 1.237 ± 0.182, 1.127 ± 0.176 μg/ml in Mild patients(-1 > T-score > -1.7), 1.463 ± 0.174, 1.327 ± 0.147 μg/ml in Severe patient group (T-score < -1.7); respectively. Mean ± SD plasma level of lead and cadmium was 168.42 ± 9.61 ng/l, 2.91 ± 0.18 ng/ml in control group, 176.13 ± 8.64 ng/l, 2.97 ± 0.21 ng/ml in TP, 176.43 ± 13.2 ng/l, 2.99 ± 0.1 ng/ml in mild patients, 221.44 ± 20 ng/l and 3.80 ± 0.70 ng/ml in severe patient group, respectively. In this study plasma zinc, copper, lead & cadmium concentrations were higher in the patients than in the control, though differences were not significant. However, differences were higher between the controls and patients with severe disease (T-score < -1.7). In addition adjusted T-score of femur with age and BMI showed negative significant correlation with plasma levels of zinc and lead in total participants (p < 0.05, r = -0.201, p = 0.044, r = -0.201). It seems that more extensive study with larger ample size might supply definite results about this association for copper and cadmium.

Digitalis-like compounds in the toad Bufo viridis: tissue and plasma levels and significance in osmotic stress.

PubMed

Lichtstein, D; Gati, I; Haver, E; Katz, U

1992-01-01

Digitalis-like compounds (DLC), constituents of animal tissues, are possible regulators of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase implicated in water and salt homeostasis. The distribution of DLC in the toad (Bufo viridis) was determined following methanol extraction and partial purification. DLC highest levels were found in the skin but it was also detected in the plasma and many internal organs. Short term (hours) exposure of the toad to hypertonic shock (1.5% NaCl) induced an increase in plasma osmolarity due to an increase in Na+ and Cl- levels. This treatment induced a transient, three fold, increase of DLC levels in the brain and transient reduction of its levels in the ventral skin. Acclimation of the toads to burrowing conditions for six weeks resulted in an increase in plasma osmolarity due to a large increase in plasma urea with a small increase in ion concentrations. Under these conditions DLC levels in the dorsal skin increased by 100% without alteration of its levels in the plasma, brain and ventral skin. DLC levels in the toad brain of control animals, showed a significant dependence on season, being highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. DLC levels in the skin peaked in May while the levels in the plasma were season independent. The changes in DLC levels induced by the short- as well as long-term perturbations in the animal environmental salinity together with the seasonal differences suggest that DLC in the toad is involved in water and salt homeostasis of these animals, but may also participate in other unknown functions.

Abnormal levels of expression of plasma microRNA-33 in patients with psoriasis.

PubMed

García-Rodríguez, S; Arias-Santiago, S; Orgaz-Molina, J; Magro-Checa, C; Valenzuela, I; Navarro, P; Naranjo-Sintes, R; Sancho, J; Zubiaur, M

2014-06-01

Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) are involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of genes associated with lipid metabolism (miRNA-33) and vascular function and angiogenesis (miRNA-126). The objective of this exploratory study was to measure plasma levels of miRNA-33 and miRNA-126 in patients with plaque psoriasis and evaluate their association with clinical parameters. We studied 11 patients with plaque psoriasis. The median Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was 13 (interquartile range [IQR], 9-14) and body surface area involvement was 12 (IQR, 11-15). Eleven healthy controls matched for age and sex were also included. We analyzed cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical carotid atheromatosis. Plasma miRNAs were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Carotid intima-media thickness was greater in patients (0.57mm; IQR, 0.54-0.61; n=11) than in controls (0.50mm; IQR, 0.48-0.54; data available for 9 controls) (P=.0055, Mann-Whitney). Expression of miRNA-33 in patients (5.34; IQR, 3.12-7.96; n=11) was significantly higher than in controls (2.33; IQR, 1.71-2.84; only detected in 7 of 11 controls) (P=.0049, Wilcoxon signed rank). No differences in miRNA-126 levels were observed between patients and controls. In patients (n=11), we observed a positive correlation between miRNA-33 and insulin levels (r=0.7289, P=.0109) and a negative correlation between miRNA-126 and carotid intima-media thickness (r=-0.6181, P=.0426). In psoriasis patients plasma levels of lipid and glucose metabolism-related miRNA-33 are increased and correlated with insulin. The study of circulating miRNA-33 in psoriasis may provide new insights about the associated systemic inflammatory abnormalities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. and AEDV. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pasley, J.N.; Rice, R.L.; McCullough, S.S.

The role of gastrointestinal peptides in eating disorders has yet to be determined. Methods: In this study we examined plasma levels of gastrin (G), cholecystokinin (CCK), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in adolescent anorexic, and obese female subjects hospitalized for feeding behavior disorders. Six anorexic, six obese and six control young females (ages 13-26) were studied after an overnight fast and after consuming a liquid test meal. The liquid test meal (Ensure, Ross Laboratories; Columbus OH) consisted of 14% calories as protein, 31.5% calories as fat and 54.5% calories as carbohydrate in a 240ml volume. Plasma levels of gastrointestinal peptides, G,more » CCK and PP were determined by specific radioimmunoassay. The data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance and the Student's t-test. Results: show that fasting levels of G were greater in control and obese groups than the anorexic subjects. Postprandial G levels for controls were higher than the anorexic, and obese groups respectively. When fasting and postprandial G levels were compared among the same groups only the controls increased after eating. Fasting CCK levels were lower in control and anorexic groups than the obese group. Postprandial CCK levels were higher among control patients compared to anorexic and obese subjects. When fasting and postprandial CCK levels were compared among groups, only control levels increased after eating. Fasting and postprandial PP levels were not different between groups. Postprandial PP levels increased over fasting PP levels only in controls.« less

Plasma levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide are confounded by impaired kidney function and poor metabolic control.

PubMed

Mueller, Daniel M; Allenspach, Martina; Othman, Alaa; Saely, Christoph H; Muendlein, Axel; Vonbank, Alexander; Drexel, Heinz; von Eckardstein, Arnold

2015-12-01

After ingestion of phosphatidylcholine, l-carnitine or betaine, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is formed by gut microbiota and liver enzymes. Elevated TMAO plasma levels were associated with increased cardiovascular risk and other diseases. Also betaine and choline itself were recently associated with increased cardiovascular risk. A newly developed LC-HRMS method was applied to measure the plasma concentrations of TMAO, betaine and choline in a cohort of 339 patients undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease. Betaine concentrations in males were significantly higher than in females (42.0 vs. 35.9 μmol/L; p < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of TMAO but not of betaine or choline were higher in patients with diabetes compared to euglycemic patients (2.39 vs. 0.980 μmol/L; p = 0.001) as well as in patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to patients without metabolic syndrome (2.37 vs. 1.43 μmol/L; p = 0.002). Plasma concentrations of TMAO or choline increased significantly with decreasing renal function (Spearman's rho: -0.281; p < 0.001). However, plasma levels of TMAO or betaine were associated with neither a history of myocardial infarction nor the angiographically assessed presence of coronary heart disease, nor incident cardiovascular events during 8 years of follow-up. Plasma levels of choline were significantly lower in patients with a history of acute myocardial infarction as compared to those without such history (10.0 vs. 10.8 μmol/L; p = 0.045). Plasma levels of TMAO are confounded by impaired kidney function and poor metabolic control but are not associated with the history, presence or incidence of symptoms or events of coronary heart disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Accelerated recovery of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from effects of crowding by swimming.

PubMed

Veiseth, Eva; Fjaera, Svein Olav; Bjerkeng, Bjørn; Skjervold, Per Olav

2006-07-01

The effects of post-crowding swimming velocity (0, 0.35, and 0.70 m/s) and recovery time (1.5, 6, and 12 h) on physiological recovery and processing quality parameters of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were determined. Atlantic salmon crowded to a density similar to that of a commercial slaughter process (>200 kg/m(3), 40 min) were transferred to a swimming chamber for recovery treatment. Osmolality and concentrations of cortisol, glucose and lactate in blood plasma were used as physiological stress indicators, whereas image analyses of extent and duration of rigor contraction, and fillet gaping were used as measures of processing quality. Crowded salmon had a 5.8-fold higher plasma cortisol concentration than control salmon (P<0.05). The elevated plasma cortisol concentration was reduced by increasing the swimming velocity, and had returned to control levels after 6 h recovery at high water velocity. Similar effects of swimming velocity were observed for plasma osmolality and lactate concentration. A lower plasma glucose concentration was present in crowded than in control fish (P<0.05), although a typical post-stress elevation in plasma glucose was observed after the recovery treatments. Lower muscle pH was found in crowded compared with control salmon (P<0.05), but muscle pH returned to control levels after 6 h recovery at intermediate and high swimming velocities and after 12 h in the low velocity group. Crowding caused an early onset of rigor mortis contraction. However, subjecting crowded salmon to active swimming for 6 h before slaughter delayed the onset of rigor mortis contraction from 2.5 to 7.5 h post mortem. The extent of rigor mortis contraction was also affected by crowding and post-stress swimming activity (P<0.05), and the largest degree of contraction was found in crowded salmon. In conclusion, active swimming accelerated the return of plasma cortisol, hydromineral balance, and the energy metabolism of adult Atlantic salmon to pre-stress levels. Moreover, an active swimming period delayed the onset of rigor mortis contraction, which has a positive technological implication for the salmon processing industry.

Increased levels of circulating microparticles are associated with increased procoagulant activity in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Laresche, Claire; Pelletier, Fabien; Garnache-Ottou, Francine; Lihoreau, Thomas; Biichlé, Sabeha; Mourey, Guillaume; Saas, Philippe; Humbert, Philippe; Seilles, Estelle; Aubin, François

2014-01-01

Microparticles (MPs) are known to be increased in various malignancies and are involved in tumor invasion, angiogenesis, coagulation, and metastasis. We investigated the plasma levels of annexin-V MPs (AV(+)MPs), platelet-derived MPs (PMPs), and endothelial-derived MPs (EMPs) in patients with melanoma (n=129) and in healthy controls (n=49). A functional coagulation test STA Procoag-PPL measuring the clotting time was performed on samples containing MPs to evaluate their procoagulant potential. The plasma levels of PMPs, EMPs, and AV(+)MPs were significantly higher, and the clotting time-PPL was significantly lower in melanoma patients than in healthy controls. The plasma levels of PMPs, EMPs, and AV(+)MPs were higher in stage IV than in the other stages of melanoma, but with no significant difference. In addition, we observed an inverse correlation between PMPs, AV(+)MPs, and clotting times. Our data suggest that MPs are involved in the progression of melanoma and may be associated to melanoma-associated thrombogenesis.

Taste acuity, plasma zinc levels, and weight loss during radiotherapy: a study of relationships

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bolze, M.S.; Fosmire, G.J.; Stryker, J.A.

1982-07-01

Thirty-five patients who were to undergo radiotherapy and 13 normal subjects were evaluated with taste questionnaires, taste acuity tests, and plasma zinc analyses. The studies were repeated on the patients in the fifth week of radiotherapy. The mean taste thresholds for NaCl (salt), sucrose (sweet), HCl (sour), and urea (bitter) were elevated and the plasma zinc levels were lower (77.2 +/- 11.8 vs. 94.6 +/- 30.1 g/100 ml, p = 0.055) for the patients than for the controls. However, there was not a significant correlation between the taste thresholds and plasma zinc levels at any time. The mean weight lossmore » experienced by the 14 patients who reported subjective taste alteration in the fifth week was 3.1 kg versus 0.1 kg (p = 0.005) for those who did not report taste alteration. The data suggest that alterations in taste acuity, but not plasma zinc levels, are associated with weight loss during radiotherapy.« less

Taste acuity, plasma zinc levels, and weight loss during radiotherapy: a study of relationships

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bolze, M.S.; Fosmire, G.J.; Stryker, J.A.

1982-07-01

Thirty-five patients who were to undergo radiotherapy and 13 normal subjects were evaluated with taste questionnaires, taste acuity tests, and plasma zinc analyses. The studies were repeated on the patients in the fifth week of radiotherapy. The mean taste thresholds for NaCl (salt), sucrose (sweet), HCl (sour), and urea (bitter) were elevated and the plasma zinc levels were lower (77.2 +/- 11.8 vs. 94.6 +/- 30.1 g/100 ml, p . 0.055) for the patients than for the controls. However, there was not a significant correlation between the taste thresholds and plasma zinc levels at any time. The mean weight lossmore » experienced by the 14 patients who reported subjective taste alteration in the fifth week was 3.1 kg versus 0.1 kg (p . 0.005) for those who did not report taste alteration. The data suggest that alterations in taste acuity, but not plasma zinc levels, are associated with weight loss during radiotherapy.« less

Myoglobin plasma level related to muscle mass and fiber composition: a clinical marker of muscle wasting?

PubMed

Weber, Marc-André; Kinscherf, Ralf; Krakowski-Roosen, Holger; Aulmann, Michael; Renk, Hanna; Künkele, Annette; Edler, Lutz; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Hildebrandt, Wulf

2007-08-01

Progressive muscle wasting is a central feature of cancer-related cachexia and has been recognized as a determinant of poor prognosis and quality of life. However, until now, no easily assessable clinical marker exists that allows to predict or to track muscle wasting. The present study evaluated the potential of myoglobin (MG) plasma levels to indicate wasting of large locomotor muscles and, moreover, to reflect the loss of MG-rich fiber types, which are most relevant for daily performance. In 17 cancer-cachectic patients (weight loss 22%) and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, we determined plasma levels of MG and creatine kinase (CK), maximal quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) by magnetic resonance imaging, muscle morphology and fiber composition in biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle, body cell mass (BCM) by impedance technique as well as maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max). In cachectic patients, plasma MG, muscle CSA, BCM, and VO(2)max were 30-35% below control levels. MG showed a significant positive correlation to total muscle CSA (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and to the CSA fraction formed by type 1 and 2a fibers (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). However, when adjusted for body height and age by multiple regression, MG yielded a largely improved prediction of total CSA (multiple r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and of fiber type 1 and 2a CSA (multiple r = 0.89, p < 0.001). The correlations between CK and these muscle parameters were weaker, and elevated CK values were observed in 20% of control subjects despite a prior abstinence from exercise for 5 days. In conclusion, plasma MG, when adjusted for anthropometric parameters unaffected by weight, may be considered as a novel marker of muscle mass (CSA) indicating best the mass of MG-rich type 1 and 2a fibers as well as VO(2)max as an important functional readout. CK plasma levels appear to be less reliable because prolonged increases are observed in even subclinical myopathies or after exercise. Notably, cancer-related muscle wasting was not associated with increases in plasma MG or CK in this study.

Exercise effects on fitness, lipids, glucose tolerance and insulin levels in young adults.

PubMed

Israel, R G; Davidson, P C; Albrink, M J; Krall, J M

1981-07-01

The effect of 3 different physical training programs on cardiorespiratory (cr) fitness, fasting plasma lipids, glucose and insulin levels, and scapular skinfold thickness was assessed in 64 healthy college men. Training sessions were held 4 times a week for 5 weeks. The cr fitness improved significantly and skinfold thickness decreased following the aerobic, the pulse workout (interval training), and the anaerobic training compared to the control group. Skinfold thickness, plasma insulin, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly intercorrelated before and after training. The exercise programs had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, glucose tolerance, or insulin levels. Change in adipose mass was thus dissociated from change in plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations. It was concluded that in young men plasma triglycerides, the lipid component mostly readily reduced by exercise, were too low to be reduced further by a physical training program.

Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Decreases Aldosterone Production but Maintains Normal Plasma Volume and Increases Blood Pressure in Adult Female Rats.

PubMed

More, Amar S; Mishra, Jay S; Hankins, Gary D; Kumar, Sathish

2016-08-01

Plasma testosterone levels are elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia and polycystic ovaries; their offspring are at increased risk for hypertension during adult life. We tested the hypothesis that prenatal testosterone exposure induces dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is known to play an important role in water and electrolyte balance and blood pressure regulation. Female rats (6 mo old) prenatally exposed to testosterone were examined for adrenal expression of steroidogenic genes, telemetric blood pressure, blood volume and Na(+) and K(+) levels, plasma aldosterone, angiotensin II and vasopressin levels, and vascular responses to angiotensin II and arg(8)-vasopressin. The levels of Cyp11b2 (aldosterone synthase), but not the other adrenal steroidogenic genes, were decreased in testosterone females. Accordingly, plasma aldosterone levels were lower in testosterone females. Plasma volume and serum and urine Na(+) and K(+) levels were not significantly different between control and testosterone females; however, prenatal testosterone exposure significantly increased plasma vasopressin and angiotensin II levels and arterial pressure in adult females. In testosterone females, mesenteric artery contractile responses to angiotensin II were significantly greater, while contractile responses to vasopressin were unaffected. Angiotensin II type-1 receptor expression was increased, while angiotensin II type-2 receptor was decreased in testosterone arteries. These results suggest that prenatal testosterone exposure downregulates adrenal Cyp11b2 expression, leading to decreased plasma aldosterone levels. Elevated angiotensin II and vasopressin levels along with enhanced vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II may serve as an underlying mechanism to maintain plasma volume and Na(+) and K(+) levels and mediate hypertension in adult testosterone females. © 2016 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Reduced aortic lesions and elevated high density lipoprotein levels in transgenic mice overexpressing mouse apolipoprotein A-IV.

PubMed Central

Cohen, R D; Castellani, L W; Qiao, J H; Van Lenten, B J; Lusis, A J; Reue, K

1997-01-01

Transgenic mouse lines carrying several copies of the mouse apo A-IV gene were produced. Lipoprotein composition and function, and aortic lesion development were examined. Apo A-IV levels in the plasma of transgenic mice were elevated threefold compared with nontransgenic littermates on a chow diet, and sixfold in mice fed an atherogenic diet. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids were similar in transgenic and control mice fed a chow diet. However, with the atherogenic diet, male transgenic mice exhibited significantly higher levels of plasma triglycerides (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), HDL cholesterol (P < 0.0001), and free fatty acids (P < 0.05), and lower levels of unesterified cholesterol (P < 0.05), than nontransgenic littermates. Expression of the apo A-IV transgene had a protective effect against the formation of diet-induced aortic lesions, with transgenics exhibiting lesion scores of approximately 30% those seen in control mice. HDL-sized lipoproteins isolated from transgenic mice fed the atherogenic diet promoted cholesterol efflux from cholesterol-loaded human monocytes more efficiently than comparable lipoproteins from nontransgenic counterparts. Plasma from transgenics also exhibited higher endogenous cholesterol esterification rates. Taken together, these results suggest that apo A-IV levels influence the metabolism and antiatherogenic properties of HDL. PMID:9109435

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Impacts of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Parsley (Petroselinum sativum) Aqueous Extracts: Lessons from Experimental Rats

PubMed Central

Abou Khalil, Nasser S.; Abou-Elhamd, Alaa S.; Wasfy, Salwa I. A.; El Mileegy, Ibtisam M. H.; Hamed, Mohamed Y.; Ageely, Hussein M.

2016-01-01

Medicinal plants are effective in controlling plasma glucose level with minimal side effects and are commonly used in developing countries as an alternative therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential antidiabetic and antioxidant impacts of Balanites aegyptiaca and Petroselinum sativum extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetic and normal rats. The influences of these extracts on body weight, plasma glucose, insulin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and liver-pyruvate kinase (L-PK) levels were assessed. Furthermore, the weight and histomorphological changes of the pancreas were studied in the different experimental groups. The herbal preparations significantly reduced the mean plasma glucose and MDA levels and significantly increased the mean plasma insulin, L-PK, and TAC levels in the treated diabetic groups compared to the diabetic control group. An obvious increase in the weight of the pancreas and the size of the islets of Langerhans and improvement in the histoarchitecture were evident in the treated groups compared to untreated ones. In conclusion, the present study provides a scientific evidence for the traditional use of these extracts as antidiabetic and antioxidant agents in type 1 diabetes mellitus. PMID:27019854

Lipid profile in oral submucous fibrosis.

PubMed

Mehrotra, Ravi; Pandya, Shruti; Chaudhary, Ajay Kumar; Singh, Himanshu Pratap; Jaiswal, Ritesh Kumar; Singh, Mangal; Gupta, S C; Singh, Mamta

2009-07-24

Changes in lipid profile have long been associated with malignancies as lipids play a key role in maintenance of cell integrity. This study evaluated the alterations in extended lipid profile in untreated patients of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and studied the correlation between lipid levels with tobacco consumption. In this hospital-based study, 65 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proven patients of OSMF and 42 age and sex matched controls were studied. In these samples serum lipids including: (i) Total cholesterol, (ii) LDL cholesterol (LDLC), (iii) HDL cholesterol (HDLC) (iv) VLDL cholesterol (VLDLC) (v) triglycerides (vi) Apo-A1 (viii) Apo-B and (viii) LPa were analyzed. A significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, HDLC and Apo-A1 was observed in patients with OSMF as compared to the controls. Thus an inverse relationship between plasma lipid levels and patients was found in OSMF. The lower levels of plasma cholesterol and other lipid constituents in patients might be due to their increased utilization. The findings strongly warrant an in-depth study of alterations in plasma lipid profile in patients with oral precancerous conditions.

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Turbulent Transport Control via Shaping of Radial Plasma Flow Profiles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilmore, Mark Allen

Turbulence, and turbulence-driven transport are ubiquitous in magnetically confined plasmas, where there is an intimate relationship between turbulence, transport, instability driving mechanisms (such as gradients), plasma flows, and flow shear. Though many of the detailed physics of the interrelationship between turbulence, transport, drive mechanisms, and flow remain unclear, there have been many demonstrations that transport and/or turbulence can be suppressed or reduced via manipulations of plasma flow profiles. This is well known in magnetic fusion plasmas [e.g., high confinement mode (H-mode) and internal transport barriers (ITB’s)], and has also been demonstrated in laboratory plasmas. However, it may be that themore » levels of particle transport obtained in such cases [e.g. H-mode, ITB’s] are actually lower than is desirable for a practical fusion device. Ideally, one would be able to actively feedback control the turbulent transport, via manipulation of the flow profiles. The purpose of this research was to investigate the feasibility of using both advanced model-based control algorithms, as well as non-model-based algorithms, to control cross-field turbulence-driven particle transport through appropriate manipulation of radial plasma flow profiles. The University of New Mexico was responsible for the experimental portion of the project, while our collaborators at the University of Montana provided plasma transport modeling, and collaborators at Lehigh University developed and explored control methods.« less

Nitric oxide and oxidative stress is associated with severity of diabetic retinopathy and retinal structural alterations.

PubMed

Sharma, Shashi; Saxena, Sandeep; Srivastav, Khushboo; Shukla, Rajendra K; Mishra, Nibha; Meyer, Carsten H; Kruzliak, Peter; Khanna, Vinay K

2015-07-01

The aim of the study was to determine plasma nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in diabetic retinopathy and its association with severity of disease. Prospective observational study. A total of 60 consecutive cases and 20 healthy controls were included. Severity of retinopathy was graded according to early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) classification. Photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid band (ISel) disruption and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alteration were graded using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Data were statistically analyzed. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, NO assay and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured using standard protocol. Increased severity of diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with increase in plasma levels of LPO (P < 0.05), NO (P < 0.001) and decrease in plasma levels of GSH (P < 0.0001), ISel disruption (P < 0.001) and RPE topographic alteration (P < 0.01). Increased plasma NO levels are associated with increased severity of diabetic retinopathy. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that increased plasma LPO, NO and decreased GSH levels are associated with in vivo structural changes in inner segment ellipsoid and RPE. © 2015 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

[Clinical study on analgesic mechanism of bitongxiao in treating neck pain due to cervical spondylitis].

PubMed

Li, J X; Xiang, C J; Liu, X Q

2001-07-01

To study the analgesic mechanism of Bitongxiao (BTX, a Chinese herbal decoction) in treating neck pain due to cervical spondylitis (CS). BTX and Jingfukang (JFK) granule were used to treat the treated and the control group separately in 102 CS cases. Plasma leucine enkephalin (LEK), substance P (SP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) before and after treatment were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Twelve patients in the treated group were clinically cured, 36 markedly effectively, 3 effectively and 1 ineffectively, while in the control group they were 5, 33, 14 and 0 cases respectively. The cured and marked effective rate in the treated group was 92.3%, while that in the control group 72.0%. After treatment the pain score (VAS) of both groups were significantly reduced, but the reduction was higher in the treated group than that in the control. Before treatment, plasma LEK in all patients was abnormally low, but after treatment, it raised obviously more in the treated group than that in the control (P < 0.05). Plasma SP of both groups were obviously elevated, and PGE2 revealed unaltered after treatment. BTX has strong, fast-acting and long-lasting analgesic effect with no side-effects, it could elevate the lowered plasma LEK level in cervical spondylitis patients and increase plasma SP level. The analgesic mechanism of BTX might be associated with its effect on LEK, SP or other endorphins, directly acting on the pain modulation system.

The platelet-poor plasma 5-HT response to carbohydrate rich meal administration in adult autistic patients compared with normal controls.

PubMed

Vered, Yaffa; Golubchik, Pavel; Mozes, Tamar; Strous, Rael; Nechmad, Allon; Mester, Roberto; Weizman, Abraham; Spivak, Baruch

2003-07-01

There are cumulative data indicating involvement of the 5-HT system in autistic disorder. Most studies examining 5-HT function have focused on whole blood 5-HT content. The carbohydrate-rich meal test (CRMT) is a dietary manipulation that could significantly influence platelet-poor plasma (PPP) 5-HT levels and reflect the responsiveness of the serotonergic system in 'free' plasma. In this study, CRMT was used as an indicator of 5-HT responsivity in drug-free adults with autistic disorder (n = 7), compared with normal controls (n = 10). The PPP 5-HT levels were measured at baseline and during 3 h after administration of the CRMT. A significant elevation in PPP 5-HT levels in adult autistic patients was reached 60 min after meal administration (p < 0.03 vs control and p = 0.05 vs baseline) and a significant decrease was noted after 120 min (p < 0.01 vs baseline). In contrast to the biphasic response of the autistic patients, normal controls exhibited a gradual linear increase of PPP 5-HT levels. Our results indicate that in adult autistic patients, the pattern of PPP 5-HT responsivity to a dietary challenge of CRMT is dysregulated compared with normal controls and provide further support for the role of 5-HT in autism. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Discordant CSF/plasma HIV-1 RNA in patients with unexplained low-level viraemia.

PubMed

Nightingale, Sam; Geretti, Anna Maria; Beloukas, Apostolos; Fisher, Martin; Winston, Alan; Else, Laura; Nelson, Mark; Taylor, Stephen; Ustianowski, Andrew; Ainsworth, Jonathan; Gilson, Richard; Haddow, Lewis; Ong, Edmund; Watson, Victoria; Leen, Clifford; Minton, Jane; Post, Frank; Pirmohamed, Munir; Solomon, Tom; Khoo, Saye

2016-12-01

The central nervous system has been proposed as a sanctuary site where HIV can escape antiretroviral control and develop drug resistance. HIV-1 RNA can be at higher levels in CSF than plasma, termed CSF/plasma discordance. We aimed to examine whether discordance in CSF is associated with low level viraemia (LLV) in blood. In this MRC-funded multicentre study, we prospectively recruited patients with LLV, defined as one or more episode of unexplained plasma HIV-1 RNA within 12 months, and undertook CSF examination. Separately, we prospectively collected CSF from patients undergoing lumbar puncture for a clinical indication. Patients with durable suppression of viraemia and no evidence of CNS infection were identified as controls from this group. Factors associated with CSF/plasma HIV-1 discordance overall were examined. One hundred fifty-three patients were recruited across 13 sites; 40 with LLV and 113 undergoing clinical lumbar puncture. Seven of the 40 (18 %) patients with LLV had CSF/plasma discordance, which was significantly more than 0/43 (0 %) with durable suppression in blood from the clinical group (p = 0.005). Resistance associated mutations were shown in six CSF samples from discordant patients with LLV (one had insufficient sample for testing), which affected antiretroviral therapy at sampling in five. Overall discordance was present in 20/153 (13 %) and was associated with nadir CD4 but not antiretroviral concentrations in plasma or CSF. CSF/plasma discordance is observed in patients with LLV and is associated with antiretroviral resistance associated mutations in CSF. The implications for clinical practice require further investigation.

Quantitative analysis of cell-free Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the plasma of patients with peripheral T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas and peripheral T-cell proliferative diseases.

PubMed

Suwiwat, Supaporn; Pradutkanchana, Jintana; Ishida, Takafumi; Mitarnun, Winyou

2007-12-01

The level of circulating EBV DNA is a prognostic marker in patients with some EBV-associated malignant diseases. To investigate the presence and nature of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in the plasma and to evaluate the correlation of plasma concentrations of EBV DNA with the EBV genomic status in peripheral blood T-cells and neoplastic cells and with the clinical outcome of patients with peripheral T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas (PTCL) and peripheral T-cell proliferative diseases (PTPD). EBV DNA in the plasma of 45 patients and 45 controls was measured using real-time PCR. The presence of the EBV genome in the isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes (CD3+ and CD3- cells) was analysed by PCR. Detection of EBV-encoded early RNA (EBER) in corresponding tumor tissues was carried out using in situ hybridization. DNase I digestion was applied to plasma samples to detect naked EBV DNA. Cell-free EBV DNA was detected in 32/38 (84%) of PTCL patients and 5/7 (71%) of PTPD patients, but not in the controls. Patients with EBV genome in peripheral blood CD3+ cells and EBV genome (EBER) in the tumor cells, compared to those without these findings, had significantly higher plasma EBV DNA levels. The majority of circulating EBV DNA molecules was naked form. The plasma EBV DNA levels were not related to survival. The concentration of EBV DNA in the plasma was not a prognostic marker in PTCL and PTPD patients.

MD-miniRNA could be a more accurate biomarker for prostate cancer screening compared with serum prostate-specific antigen level.

PubMed

Xue, Dong; Zhou, Cui-Xing; Shi, Yun-Bo; Lu, Hao; He, Xiao-Zhou

2015-05-01

Prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplasia detection remains a great challenge, lacking of effective non-invasive and specific diagnostic biomarkers. In the current study, we aimed to identify the relative expression of plasma MD-miniRNA and its diagnostic performance in differentiating prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplasia patients from healthy controls, compared with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. All of the clinical participants (63 prostate cancer patients, 32 prostatic hyperplasia patients, and 50 healthy controls) were obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University in China between January 2013 and April 2014. Clinical characteristics were well matched. Plasma samples were extracted to test the relative expression of MD-miniRNA using the method of qRT-PCR. SPSS 22.0 statistical software package was used to analyze the data and GraphPad Prism 6.0 was used to generate the graphs. Relativity expression of plasma MD-miniRNA was significantly upregulated in prostate cancer, compared with prostatic hyperplasia patients and healthy controls. Serum PSA level revealed similar differences among these groups. MD-miniRNA presented a relatively high diagnostic accuracy with AUC of 0.86 (95 % CI 0.80-0.93) in differentiating prostate cancer patients from healthy controls. Simultaneously, MD-miniRNA was able to discriminate prostate cancer patients from prostatic hyperplasia controls with AUC of 0.79 (95 % CI 0.70-0.88). In addition, MD-miniRNA displayed a better diagnostic performance than PSA level. However, the panel of these two biomarkers revealed the best diagnostic performance, compared with either single biomarker. Results of this study showed that plasma MD-miniRNA could serve as a promising and noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing prostate cancer. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its clinical diagnosis accuracy.

Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

PubMed Central

Banaee, Mahdi; Soleimany, Vahid; Nematdoost Haghi, Behzad

2017-01-01

This study evaluated preclinical and clinical safety of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract as a naturopathic medicine in common carp deliberately infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. The fish were fed 0 (control), 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 g of marshmallow extract for 60 days in a preclinical experiment and then, challenged with A. hydrophila for a 10-day experiment. Significant increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities and plasma creatinine levels in fish fed 10 g marshmallow extract per kg feed. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly decreased on day 60. The fish fed 2.50 g marshmallow extract per kg feed indicated increased levels of total protein and globulin. There were no significant changes in albumin levels (p > 0.05). 2.50 and 5.00 g marshmallow significantly decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and increased glucose levels (p < 0.05). A. hydrophila significantly increased AST, ALT, LDH, ALP and CPK activities and plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine levels after 10 days (p < 0.05). Total plasma protein, albumin and globulin levels in fish challenged with A. hydrophila were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Marshmallow extract at 5.00 and 10.00 g can adjust plasma biochemical parameters in fish challenged with A. hydrophila. The results of preclinical studies and pharmaceutical toxicity of marshmallow extract revealed that dietary levels lower than 5.00 g were safe and effective. The results of this clinical study demonstrated that marshmallow extract (5.00 g kg-1 feed) can protect fish against A. hydrophila. PMID:28785391

Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.

PubMed

Banaee, Mahdi; Soleimany, Vahid; Nematdoost Haghi, Behzad

2017-01-01

This study evaluated preclinical and clinical safety of marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis L.) extract as a naturopathic medicine in common carp deliberately infected with Aeromonas hydrophila . The fish were fed 0 (control), 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 g of marshmallow extract for 60 days in a preclinical experiment and then, challenged with A. hydrophila for a 10-day experiment. Significant increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities and plasma creatinine levels in fish fed 10 g marshmallow extract per kg feed. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly decreased on day 60. The fish fed 2.50 g marshmallow extract per kg feed indicated increased levels of total protein and globulin. There were no significant changes in albumin levels ( p > 0.05). 2.50 and 5.00 g marshmallow significantly decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and increased glucose levels ( p < 0.05). A. hydrophila significantly increased AST, ALT, LDH, ALP and CPK activities and plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine levels after 10 days ( p < 0.05). Total plasma protein, albumin and globulin levels in fish challenged with A. hydrophila were significantly lower than the control group ( p < 0.05). Marshmallow extract at 5.00 and 10.00 g can adjust plasma biochemical parameters in fish challenged with A. hydrophila . The results of preclinical studies and pharmaceutical toxicity of marshmallow extract revealed that dietary levels lower than 5.00 g were safe and effective. The results of this clinical study demonstrated that marshmallow extract (5.00 g kg -1 feed) can protect fish against A. hydrophila .

Hormonal and electrolyte responses to acute isohemic volume expansion in unanesthetized rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chenault, V. M.; Morris, M.; Lynch, C. D.; Maultsby, S. J.; Hutchins, P. M.

1993-01-01

This study was undertaken to explore the time course of the metabolic response to isohemic blood volume expansion (30%) in normotensive, unanesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Whole blood, drawn from a femoral artery catheter of conscious donor rats, was infused into the jugular vein of recipient rats. Blood samples were drawn from a carotid artery of recipient rats at time points beginning immediately post-volume expansion (IPVE) up through 5 days post-volume expansion (PVE). To characterize the attendant compensatory mechanisms, the plasma concentrations of electrolytes and fluid regulatory hormones were determined. Hematocrit began to raise IPVE and was significantly elevated above control IPVE 20, 30, 40, 60, and 90 min, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hr PVE. Consistent with our current understanding of the hormonal response to excess volume, atrial natriuretic factor was significantly increased above the prevolume expansion (control) values 0-30 min PVE. Surprisingly, plasma aldosterone levels were significantly increased above control at 20 and 30 min and 6 hr PVE, whereas plasma renin activity was significantly decreased 30-40 min PVE. Plasma sodium was not changed from control values except for a significant increase at 6 hr post-volume expansion. Plasma potassium, osmolality, and arginine vasopressin levels were not altered by the volume expansion. These studies delineate the physiologic time scheme operative in the regulation of fluid volume during acute ischemic volume expansion.

Cerebrospinal fluid leptin in anorexia nervosa: correlation with nutritional status and potential role in resistance to weight gain.

PubMed

Mantzoros, C; Flier, J S; Lesem, M D; Brewerton, T D; Jimerson, D C

1997-06-01

Studies in rodents have shown that leptin acts in the central nervous system to modulate food intake and energy metabolism. To evaluate the possible role of leptin in the weight loss of anorexia nervosa, this study compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma leptin concentrations in anorexic patients and controls. Subjects included 11 female patients with anorexia nervosa studied at low weight and after treatment, and 15 healthy female controls. Concentrations of leptin in blood and CSF were measured by RIA. Patients with anorexia nervosa, compared to controls, had decreased concentrations of leptin in CSF (98 +/- 26 vs. 160 +/- 58 pg/mL; P < 0.0005) and plasma (1.75 +/- 0.46 vs. 7.01 +/- 3.92 ng/mL; P < 0.005). The CSF to plasma leptin ratio, however, was higher for patients (0.060 +/- 0.023) than for controls (0.025 +/- 0.007; P < 0.0001). At posttreatment testing, although patients had not yet reached normal body weight, CSF and plasma leptin concentrations had increased to normal levels. These results demonstrate the dynamic changes in plasma and CSF leptin during positive energy balance in anorexia nervosa. The results further suggest that normalization of CSF leptin levels before full weight restoration during treatment of anorexic patients could contribute to resistance to weight gain and/or incomplete weight recovery.

Association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism with Hyperhomocysteinemia and Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Iranian Population.

PubMed

Ghaznavi, Habib; Soheili, Zahra; Samiei, Shahram; Soltanpour, Mohammad Soleiman

2015-12-01

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common but elusive condition characterized by a high morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism with plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and DVT risk in an Iranian population. Our study population consisted of 67 patients with a diagnosis of DVT and 67 healthy subjects as controls. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was performed by the polymerase chain reaction technique combined with restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and measurement of tHcy levels was done by enzyme immunoassay method. Plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher in DVT patients than controls (18.09±7.6 vs. 10.5±4.3, P=0.001). Also, plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher in MTHFR 677TT genotypes compared to 677CC genotypes in both DVT patients (P=0.016) and controls (P=0.03). Neither heterozygote nor homozygote genotypes of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly correlated with DVT (P>0.05). The distribution of MTHFR C677T genotypes was similar between men and women in both DVT patients and controls (P>0.05). Moreover, the frequency of mutant 677T allele did not differ significantly between the two groups (28.3% vs. 21.6%, P=0.15). Based on this study, we propose that hyperhomocysteinemia but not homozygosity for MTHFR C677T polymorphism is a significant risk factor for DVT in the Iranian population. Also, MTHFR 677TT genotype is a determinant of elevated plasma tHcy levels.

CDH1 gene polymorphisms, plasma CDH1 levels and risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Zhan, Zhen; Wu, Juan; Zhang, Jun-Feng; Yang, Ya-Ping; Tong, Shujuan; Zhang, Chun-Bing; Li, Jin; Yang, Xue-Wen; Dong, Wei

2012-08-01

The genetic polymorphisms in E-cadherin gene (CDH1) may affect invasive/metastatic development of gastric cancer by altering gene transcriptional activity of epithelial cell. Our study aims to explore the associations among CDH1 gene polymorphisms, and predisposition of gastric cancer. We genotyped four potentially functional polymorphisms (rs13689, rs1801552, rs16260 and rs17690554) of the CDH1 gene in a case-control study of 387 incident gastric cancer cases and 392 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-ligation detection reaction methods (PCR-LDR) and measured the plasma CDH1 levels using enzyme immunoassay among the subjects. The median and inter-quartile range were adopted for representing the mean level of non-normally distributed data, and we found the level of plasma CDH1 in gastric cancer patients (median: 171.00 pg/ml; inter-quartile range: 257.10 pg/ml) were significantly higher than that of controls (median: 137.40 pg/ml; inter-quartile range: 83.90 pg/ml, P = 0.003). However, none of the four polymorphisms or their haplotypes achieved significant differences in their distributions between gastric cancer cases and controls, and interestingly, in the subgroup analysis of gastric cancer, we found that CA genotype of rs26160 and CG genotype of rs17690554 were associated with the risk of diffuse gastric cancer, compared with their wild genotypes (OR = 2.98, 95 % CI: 1.60-5.53; OR = 2.10, 95 % CI: 1.14-3.85, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicated that plasma CDH1 levels may serve as a risk marker against gastric cancer and variant genotypes of rs26160 and rs17690554 may contribute to the etiology of diffuse gastric cancer in this study. Further studies are warranted to verify these findings.

Controlling marginally detached divertor plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eldon, David; Kolemen, Egemen; Barton, Joseph L.

A new control system at DIII-D has stabilized the inter-ELM detached divertor plasma state for H-mode in close proximity to the threshold for reattachment, thus demonstrating the ability to maintain detachment with minimal gas puffing. When the same control system was instead ordered to hold the plasma at the threshold (here defined as T e = 5 eV near the divertor target plate), the resulting T e profiles separated into two groups with one group consistent with marginal detachment, and the other with marginal attachment. The plasma dithers between the attached and detached states when the control system attempts to hold at the threshold. The control system is upgraded from the one described in and it handles ELMing plasmas by using real time D α measurements to remove during-ELM slices from real time T e measurements derived from divertor Thomson scattering. The difference between measured and requested inter-ELM T e is passed to a PID (proportionalintegral-derivative) controller to determine gas puff commands. While some degree of detachment is essential for the health of ITER’s divertor, more deeply detached plasmas have greater radiative losses and, at the extreme, confinement degradation, making it desirable to limit detachment to the minimum level needed to protect the target plate. However, the observed bifurcation in plasma conditions at the outer strike point with the ion B ×more » $$\

Controlling marginally detached divertor plasmas

DOE PAGES

Eldon, David; Kolemen, Egemen; Barton, Joseph L.; ...

2017-05-04

A new control system at DIII-D has stabilized the inter-ELM detached divertor plasma state for H-mode in close proximity to the threshold for reattachment, thus demonstrating the ability to maintain detachment with minimal gas puffing. When the same control system was instead ordered to hold the plasma at the threshold (here defined as T e = 5 eV near the divertor target plate), the resulting T e profiles separated into two groups with one group consistent with marginal detachment, and the other with marginal attachment. The plasma dithers between the attached and detached states when the control system attempts to hold at the threshold. The control system is upgraded from the one described in and it handles ELMing plasmas by using real time D α measurements to remove during-ELM slices from real time T e measurements derived from divertor Thomson scattering. The difference between measured and requested inter-ELM T e is passed to a PID (proportionalintegral-derivative) controller to determine gas puff commands. While some degree of detachment is essential for the health of ITER’s divertor, more deeply detached plasmas have greater radiative losses and, at the extreme, confinement degradation, making it desirable to limit detachment to the minimum level needed to protect the target plate. However, the observed bifurcation in plasma conditions at the outer strike point with the ion B ×more » $$\

Inhibitory Effect of NMDA Receptors in the Ventral Tegmental Area on Hormonal and Eating Behavior Responses to Stress in Rats

PubMed Central

Nasihatkon, Zohreh Sadat; Khosravi, Maryam; Bourbour, Zahra; Hassantash, Seyedeh Maryam; Sahraei, Mohammad; Baghlani, Kefayat

2014-01-01

Background. Stress and its consequences are among the causes of accidents. Objective. The effects of intraventral tegmental area (I-VTA) memantine on the plasma corticosterone and eating parameters disturbance induced by acute stress were investigated. Methods. Male Wistar rats (W: 250–300 g) were divided into control and experiential groups, each of which received memantine either intra-VTA or peripherally. One week after bilateral cannulation, the rats received memantine (1 and 5 μg/Rat) five min before electroshock stress. The other experimental groups received memantine (1 and 5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 30 min before stress. The control groups received saline or memantine but did not experience stress. Food and water intake and plasma corticosterone level were recorded. Results. Results showed that stress decreases food intake but does not change water intake and increase in plasma corticosterone level. Intraperitoneal memantine administration slightly inhibits the stress effects on food intake. However, water intake and plasma corticosterone level were increased. Intra-VTA memantine reduces the effects of stress on corticosterone and water intake. Conclusion. It could be concluded that inhibition of glutamate NMDA receptors in the VTA by memantine leads to the inhibition of the eating behavior parameters and plasma corticosterone level disturbance induced by stress in rats. PMID:25177106

MicroRNA-134 plasma levels before and after treatment with valproic acid for epilepsy patients

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaofeng; Luo, Yifeng; Liu, Shuangxi; Tan, Liming; Wang, Sanhu; Man, Rongyong

2017-01-01

Background Temporal lobe epilepsy is the second most common neurological disorders characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. MicroRNAs play a vital role in regulating synaptic plasticity, brain development and post-transcriptional expression of proteins. In both animal models of epilepsy and human patients, miR-134, a brain-specific microRNA has recently been identified as a potential regulator of epileptogenesis. Methods microRNA identified as targets for the actions of valproic acid (VPA) are known to have important effects in brain function. In this study, 59 new-onset epilepsy patients and 20 controls matched by sex and age were enrolled. Patients with a score < 3 were allocated into the mild group, 3-5 into the moderate group and >5 into the severe group. The plasma miRNA-134 level was quantitatively measured using real-time PCR. Results Plasma miRNA-134 level in new-onset epilepsy patients was significantly up-regulated when compared with that in healthy controls, and then considerably down-regulated after oral intake of valproic acid medication. The up-regulated plasma miRNA-134 levels may be directly associated with the pathophysiology and severity of epilepsy. Conclusion Plasma miRNA-134 in epilepsy may be considered as a potential peripheral biomarker that responds to the incidence of epilepsy and associates with use of anti-epilepsy drugs. PMID:29069823

Effect of serotonin on platelet function in cocaine exposed blood

PubMed Central

Ziu, Endrit; Hadden, Coedy; Li, Yicong; Lowery, Curtis Lee; Singh, Preeti; Ucer, Serra S.; Mercado, Charles P.; Gu, Howard H.; Kilic, Fusun

2014-01-01

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors counteract the pro-thrombotic effect of elevated plasma 5-HT by down-regulating the 5-HT uptake rates of platelets. Cocaine also down-regulates the platelet 5-HT uptake rates but in contrast, the platelets of cocaine-injected mice show a much higher aggregation rate than the platelets of control mice. To examine the involvement of plasma 5-HT in cocaine-mediated platelet aggregation, we studied the function of platelets isolated from wild-type and transgenic, peripheral 5-HT knock-out (TPH1-KO) mice, and cocaine-insensitive dopamine transporter knock in (DAT-KI) mice. In cocaine-injected mice compared to the control mice, the plasma 5-HT level as well as the surface level of P-selectin was elevated; in vitro platelet aggregation in the presence of type I fibrillar collagen was enhanced. However, cocaine injection lowered the 5-HT uptake rates of platelets and increased the plasma 5-HT levels of the DAT-KI mice but did not change their platelets aggregation rates further which are already hyper-reactive. Furthermore, the in vitro studies supporting these in vivo findings suggest that cocaine mimics the effect of elevated plasma 5-HT level on platelets and in 5-HT receptor- and transporter-dependent pathways in a two-step process propagates platelet aggregation by an additive effect of 5-HT and nonserotonergic catecholamine. PMID:25091505

Human plasma lipid modulation in schistosomiasis mansoni depends on apolipoprotein E polymorphism.

PubMed

Martins da Fonseca, Caíque Silveira; Pimenta Filho, Adenor Almeida; dos Santos, Bianka Santana; da Silva, César Augusto; Domingues, Ana Lúcia Coutinho; Owen, James Stuart; Lima, Vera Lúcia de Menezes

2014-01-01

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic liver disease, which causes several metabolic disturbances. Here, we evaluate the influence of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism, a known modulator of lipid metabolism, on plasma lipid levels in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Blood samples were used for APOE genotyping and to measure total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides. Schistosomiasis patients had reduced TC, LDL-C and triglycerides (25%, 38% and 32% lower, respectively; P<0.0001) compared to control individuals, whereas HDL-C was increased (10% higher; P = 0.0136). Frequency of the common alleles, ε2, ε3 and ε4, was similar (P = 0.3568) between controls (n = 108) and patients (n = 84), implying that APOE genotype did not affect susceptibility to the advanced stage of schistosomiasis. Nevertheless, while patient TC and LDL-C levels were significantly reduced for each allele (except TC in ε2 patients), changes in HDL-C and triglycerides were noted only for the less common ε2 and ε4 alleles. The most striking finding, however, was that accepted regulation of plasma lipid levels by APOE genotype was disrupted by schistosomiasis. Thus, while ε2 controls had higher TC and LDL-C than ε3 carriers, these parameters were lower in ε2 versus ε3 patients. Similarly, the inverse relationship of TG levels in controls (ε2>ε3>ε4) was absent in patients (ε2 or ε4>ε3), and the increase in HDL-C of ε2 or ε4 patients compared to ε3 patients was not seen in the control groups. We confirm that human schistosomiasis causes dyslipidemia and report for the first time that certain changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels depend on APOE gene polymorphism. Importantly, we also concluded that S. mansoni disrupts the expected regulation of plasma lipids by the different ApoE isoforms. This finding suggests ways to identify new metabolic pathways affected by schistosomiasis and also potential molecular targets to treat associated morbidities.

Physiological short-term response to sudden salinity change in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

PubMed

Herrera, Marcelino; Aragão, Cláudia; Hachero, Ismael; Ruiz-Jarabo, Ignacio; Vargas-Chacoff, Luis; Mancera, Juan Miguel; Conceição, Luis E C

2012-12-01

The physiological responses of Senegalese sole to a sudden salinity change were investigated. The fish were first acclimated to an initial salinity of 37.5 ppt for 4 h. Then, one group was subjected to increased salinity (55 ppt) while another group was subjected to decreased salinity (5 ppt). The third group (control group) remained at 37.5 ppt. We measured the oxygen consumption rate, osmoregulatory (plasma osmolality, gill and kidney Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities) and stress (plasma cortisol and metabolites) parameters 0.5 and 3 h after transfer. Oxygen consumption at both salinities was higher than for the control at both sampling times. Gill Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was significantly higher for the 55 ppt salinity at 0.5 h. Plasma osmolality decreased in the fish exposed to 5 ppt at the two sampling times but no changes were detected for high salinities. Plasma cortisol levels significantly increased at both salinities, although these values declined in the low-salinity group 3 h after transfer. Plasma glucose at 5 ppt salinity did not vary significantly at 0.5 h but decreased at 3 h, while lactate increased for both treatments at the first sampling time and returned to the control levels at 3 h. Overall, the physiological response of S. senegalensis was immediate and involved a rise in oxygen consumption and plasma cortisol values as well as greater metabolite mobilization at both salinities.

Plasma homovanillic acid and prolactin in Huntington's disease.

PubMed

Markianos, Manolis; Panas, Marios; Kalfakis, Nikos; Vassilopoulos, Dimitrios

2009-05-01

Dopaminergic activity is expected to be altered in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and be related to factors like duration and severity of illness or patients' specific symptomatology like dementia, depression, or psychotic features. We assessed plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) and plasma prolactin (pPRL), two correlates of dopaminergic activity, in 116 subjects with CAG repeats expansion in the HD gene, 26 presymptomatic (18 females) and 90 with overt symptomatology (43 females). Patients were evaluated using the Unified HD Rating Scale and the Total Functional Capacity Scale. Presence of dementia, depression, and psychotic features were also assessed. The age range of the patients was 22-83 years, duration of illness from 0.5 to 27 years, and CAG repeat number from 34 to 66. A group of 60 age and sex matched healthy subjects served as control group. Plasma PRL in subjects at risk and in neuroleptic-free patients, evaluated separately for males and females, did not differ from controls. Plasma HVA levels did not differ from controls in the group of presymptomatic subjects, but were significantly higher in the patients group. This increase was positively associated mainly with severity of illness and functional capacity of the patients, and not with presence of depression or dementia. Plasma HVA levels may be proven to be a peripheral index of disease progression. Reducing dopaminergic activity may have not only symptomatic, but also neuroprotective effects in HD.

Quantitation of plasma thiamine, related metabolites and plasma protein oxidative damage markers in children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls.

PubMed

Anwar, Attia; Marini, Marina; Abruzzo, Provvidenza Maria; Bolotta, Alessandra; Ghezzo, Alessandro; Visconti, Paola; Thornalley, Paul J; Rabbani, Naila

2016-11-01

To assess thiamine and related metabolite status by analysis of plasma and urine in autistic children and healthy controls, correlations to clinical characteristics and link to plasma protein markers of oxidative damage. 27 children with autism (21 males and 6 females) and 21 (15 males and 6 females) age-matched healthy control children were recruited. The concentration of thiamine and related phosphorylated metabolites in plasma and urine and plasma protein content of dityrosine, N-formylkynurenine and 3-nitrotyrosine was determined. Plasma thiamine and thiamine monophosphate concentrations were similar in both study groups (median [lower-upper quartile]): autistic children - 6.60 nM (4.48-8.91) and 7.00 nM (5.51-8.55), and healthy controls - 6.82 nM (4.47-7.02) and 6.82 nM (5.84-8.91), respectively. Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) was decreased 24% in autistic children compared to healthy controls: 6.82 nM (5.81-8.52) versus 9.00 nM (8.41-10.71), p < .01. Urinary excretion of thiamine and fractional renal clearance of thiamine did not change between the groups. No correlation was observed between clinical markers and the plasma and urine thiamine concentration. Plasma protein dityrosine content was increased 88% in ASD. Other oxidative markers were unchanged. Autistic children had normal plasma and urinary thiamine levels whereas plasma TPP concentration was decreased. The latter may be linked to abnormal tissue handling and/or absorption from gut microbiota of TPP which warrants further investigation. Increased plasma protein dityrosine may reflect increased dual oxidase activity in response to change in mucosal immunity and host-microbe homeostasis.

Neuroactive steroid levels are modified in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of post-finasteride patients showing persistent sexual side effects and anxious/depressive symptomatology.

PubMed

Melcangi, Roberto Cosimo; Caruso, Donatella; Abbiati, Federico; Giatti, Silvia; Calabrese, Donato; Piazza, Fabrizio; Cavaletti, Guido

2013-10-01

Observations performed in a subset of subjects treated with finasteride (an inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase) for male pattern hair loss seem to indicate that sexual dysfunction as well as anxious/depressive symptomatology may occur at the end of the treatment and continue after discontinuation. A possible hypothesis to explain depression symptoms after finasteride treatment might be impairment in the levels of neuroactive steroids. Therefore, neuroactive steroid levels were evaluated in paired plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from male patients who received finasteride for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and who, after drug discontinuation, still show long-term sexual side effects as well as anxious/depressive symptomatology. The levels of neuroactive steroids were evaluated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in three postfinasteride patients and compared to those of five healthy controls. Neuroactive steroid levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of postfinasteride patients and healthy controls. At the examination, the three postfinasteride patients reported muscular stiffness, cramps, tremors, and chronic fatigue in the absence of clinical evidence of any muscular disorder or strength reduction. Severity and frequency of the anxious/depressive symptoms were quite variable; overall, all the subjects had a fairly complex and constant neuropsychiatric pattern. Assessment of neuroactive steroid levels in patients showed some interindividual differences. However, the most important finding was the comparison of their neuroactive steroid levels with those of healthy controls. Indeed, decreased levels of tetrahydroprogesterone, isopregnanolone and dihydrotestosterone and increased levels of testosterone and 17β-estradiol were reported in cerebrospinal fluid of postfinasteride patients. Moreover, decreased levels of dihydroprogesterone and increased levels of 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol and 17β-estradiol were observed in plasma. The present observations confirm that an impairment of neuroactive steroid levels, associated with depression symptoms, is still present in androgenic alopecia patients treated with finasteride despite the discontinuation of the treatment. © 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Modulation of plasma N-acylethanolamine levels and physiological parameters by dietary fatty acid composition in humans

PubMed Central

Jones, Peter J. H.; Lin, Lin; Gillingham, Leah G.; Yang, Haifeng; Omar, Jaclyn M.

2014-01-01

N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are endogenous lipid-signaling molecules involved in satiety and energetics; however, how diet impacts circulating NAE concentrations and their downstream metabolic actions in humans remains unknown. Objectives were to examine effects of diets enriched with high-oleic canola oil (HOCO) or HOCO blended with flaxseed oil (FXCO), compared with a Western diet (WD), on plasma NAE levels and the association with energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. Using a randomized controlled crossover design, 36 hypercholesterolemic participants consumed three isoenergetic diets for 28 days, each containing 36% energy from fat, of which 70% was HOCO, FXCO, or WD. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS was used to measure plasma NAE levels and indirect calorimetry to assess energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. After 28 days, compared with WD, plasma oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and alpha-linolenoyl ethanolamide (ALEA) levels were significantly increased in response to HOCO and FXCO (P = 0.002, P < 0.001), respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated an inverse association between plasma OEA levels and percent body fat (r = −0.21, P = 0.04), and a positive association was observed between the plasma arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA)/OEA ratio and android:gynoid fat (r = 0.23, P = 0.02), respectively. Results suggest that plasma NAE levels are upregulated via their dietary lipid substrates and may modulate regional and total fat mass through lipid-signaling mechanisms. PMID:25262934

Environmental enrichment of brown capuchins (Cebus apella): Behavioral and plasma and fecal cortisol measures of effectiveness

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boinski, S.; Swing, S.P.; Gross, T.S.; Davis, J.K.

1999-01-01

No consensus exists about the quantity and variety of environmental enrichment needed to achieve an acceptable level of psychological well-being among singly housed primates. Behavioral and plasma and fecal cortisol measures were used to evaluate the effectiveness of four levels of toy and foraging enrichment provided to eight wild-caught, singly housed adult male brown capuchins (Cebus apella). The 16-week-long study comprised six conditions and began with a 4-week-long preexperimental and ended with a 4-week-long postexperimental period during which the subjects were maintained at baseline enrichment levels. During the intervening 8 weeks, the subjects were randomly assigned to a sequence of four 2-week-long experimental conditions: control (baseline conditions), toy (the addition of two plastic toys to each cage), box (access to a foraging box with food treats hidden within crushed alfalfa), and box and toy (the addition of two plastic toys and access to a foraging box). Behavioral responses to changes in enrichment were rapid and extensive. Within-subject repeated-measure ANOVAs with planned post hoc contrasts identified highly significant reductions in abnormal and undesirable behaviors (and increases in normal behaviors) as the level of enrichment increased from control to toy to box to box and toy. No significant behavioral differences were found between the control and pre- and postexperimental conditions. Plasma and fecal cortisol measures revealed a different response to changing enrichment levels. Repeated-measure ANOVA models found significant changes in both these measures across the six conditions. The planned post hoc analyses, however, while finding dramatic increases in cortisol titers in both the pre- and postexperimental conditions relative to the control condition, did not distinguish cortisol responses among the four enrichment levels. Linear regressions among weekly group means in behavioral and cortisol measures (n = 16) found that plasma cortisol was significantly predicted by the proportions of both normal and abnormal behaviors; as the proportion of normal behaviors increased, the plasma cortisol measures decreased. Plasma cortisol weekly group means were also significantly and positively predicted by fecal cortisol weekly group means, but no behavioral measure significantly predicted fecal cortisol weekly group means. In sum, these findings argue strongly that access to a variety of toy and foraging enrichment positively affects behavioral and physiological responses to stress and enhances psychological well-being in singly housed brown capuchins.

Environmental enrichment of brown capuchins (Cebus apella): behavioral and plasma and fecal cortisol measures of effectiveness.

PubMed

Boinski, S; Swing, S P; Gross, T S; Davis, J K

1999-01-01

No consensus exists about the quantity and variety of environmental enrichment needed to achieve an acceptable level of psychological well-being among singly housed primates. Behavioral and plasma and fecal cortisol measures were used to evaluate the effectiveness of four levels of toy and foraging enrichment provided to eight wild-caught, singly housed adult male brown capuchins (Cebus apella). The 16-week-long study comprised six conditions and began with a 4-week-long preexperimental and ended with a 4-week-long postexperimental period during which the subjects were maintained at baseline enrichment levels. During the intervening 8 weeks, the subjects were randomly assigned to a sequence of four 2-week-long experimental conditions: control (baseline conditions), toy (the addition of two plastic toys to each cage), box (access to a foraging box with food treats hidden within crushed alfalfa), and box & toy (the addition of two plastic toys and access to a foraging box). Behavioral responses to changes in enrichment were rapid and extensive. Within-subject repeated-measure ANOVAs with planned post hoc contrasts identified highly significant reductions in abnormal and undesirable behaviors (and increases in normal behaviors) as the level of enrichment increased from control to toy to box to box & toy. No significant behavioral differences were found between the control and pre- and postexperimental conditions. Plasma and fecal cortisol measures revealed a different response to changing enrichment levels. Repeated-measure ANOVA models found significant changes in both these measures across the six conditions. The planned post hoc analyses, however, while finding dramatic increases in cortisol titers in both the pre- and postexperimental conditions relative to the control condition, did not distinguish cortisol responses among the four enrichment levels. Linear regressions among weekly group means in behavioral and cortisol measures (n=16) found that plasma cortisol was significantly predicted by the proportions of both normal and abnormal behaviors; as the proportion of normal behaviors increased, the plasma cortisol measures decreased. Plasma cortisol weekly group means were also significantly and positively predicted by fecal cortisol weekly group means, but no behavioral measure significantly predicted fecal cortisol weekly group means. In sum, these findings argue strongly that access to a variety of toy and foraging enrichment positively affects behavioral and physiological responses to stress and enhances psychological well-being in singly housed brown capuchins.

Identification of Interleukin-27 (IL-27)/IL-27 Receptor Subunit Alpha as a Critical Immune Axis for In Vivo HIV Control.

PubMed

Ruiz-Riol, M; Berdnik, D; Llano, A; Mothe, B; Gálvez, C; Pérez-Álvarez, S; Oriol-Tordera, B; Olvera, A; Silva-Arrieta, S; Meulbroek, M; Pujol, F; Coll, J; Martinez-Picado, J; Ganoza, C; Sanchez, J; Gómez, G; Wyss-Coray, T; Brander, C

2017-08-15

Intact and broad immune cell effector functions and specific individual cytokines have been linked to HIV disease outcome, but their relative contribution to HIV control remains unclear. We asked whether the proteome of secreted cytokines and signaling factors in peripheral blood can be used to discover specific pathways critical for host viral control. A custom glass-based microarray, able to measure >600 plasma proteins involved in cell-to-cell communication, was used to measure plasma protein profiles in 96 HIV-infected, treatment-naive individuals with high (>50,000) or low (<10,000 HIV RNA copies/ml) viral loads. Univariate and regression model analysis demonstrate that plasma levels of soluble interleukin-27 (IL-27) are significantly elevated in individuals with high plasma viremia ( P < 0.0001) and are positively correlated with proviral HIV-DNA copy numbers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (Rho = 0.4011; P = 0.0027). Moreover, soluble IL-27 plasma levels are negatively associated with the breadth and magnitude of the total virus-specific T-cell responses and directly with plasma levels of molecules involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition to IL-27, gene expression levels of the specific IL-27 receptor ( IL27RA ) in PBMC correlated directly with both plasma viral load (Rho = 0.3531; P = 0.0218) and the proviral copy number in the peripheral blood as an indirect measure of partial viral reservoir (Rho = 0.4580; P = 0.0030). These results were validated in unrelated cohorts of early infected subjects as well as subjects before and after initiation of antiretroviral treatment, and they identify IL-27 and its specific receptor as a critical immune axis for the antiviral immune response and as robust correlates of viral load and proviral reservoir size in PBMC. IMPORTANCE The detailed knowledge of immune mechanisms that contribute to HIV control is a prerequisite for the design of effective treatment strategies to achieve HIV cure. Cells communicate with each other by secreting signaling proteins, and the blood is a key conduit for transporting such factors. Investigating the communication factors promoting effective immune responses and having potentially antiviral functions against HIV using a novel focused omics approach ("communicome") has the potential to significantly improve our knowledge of effective host immunity and accelerate the HIV cure agenda. Including 140 subjects with variable viral loads and measuring the plasma levels of >600 soluble proteins, our data highlight the importance of Th17 cells and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HIV control and especially identify the IL-27/IL-27 receptor subunit alpha (IL-27RA) axis as a predictor of plasma viral load and proviral copy number in the peripheral blood. These data may provide important guidance to therapeutic approaches in the HIV cure agenda. Copyright © 2017 Ruiz-Riol et al.

Creatinine plasma at uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus and controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at primary health care in Binjai city, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusdiana; Savira, M.; Syahputra, M.; Santoso, A.

2018-03-01

The aim of the study knowing the comparison creatinine plasma levels at uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus and controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Primary Health Care in Binjai city of North Sumatera in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was conductedon 40 type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients who attended Primary Health Care in Binjai. Patients with age > 40 years old, (both sexes) were included in the study. We recorded different demographic parameter as age, Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, and personal history status. And we examined the biochemicalparameters including Hba1c, Fasting Blood Sugar Levels (FBL) and creatinine serum. We separated into two groups base on HbA1c test, controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. We measured FBL by using the portable measuring instrument, and Thamrin clinical laboratory measured Hba1c, andwe measured creatinine plasmaby spectrophotometry in Biochemistry laboratory. With statistical analysis using T-test found that there was asignificant differencein creatinine plasma levels between uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus with controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (p<0.005).

Effects of nutritional status on plasma leptin levels and in vitro regulation of adipocyte leptin expression and secretion in rainbow trout.

PubMed

Salmerón, Cristina; Johansson, Marcus; Angotzi, Anna R; Rønnestad, Ivar; Jönsson, Elisabeth; Björnsson, Björn Thrandur; Gutiérrez, Joaquim; Navarro, Isabel; Capilla, Encarnación

2015-01-01

As leptin has a key role on appetite, knowledge about leptin regulation is important in order to understand the control of energy balance. We aimed to explore the modulatory effects of adiposity on plasma leptin levels in vivo and the role of potential regulators on leptin expression and secretion in rainbow trout adipocytes in vitro. Fish were fed a regular diet twice daily ad libitum or a high-energy diet once daily at two ration levels; satiation (SA group) or restricted (RE group) to 25% of satiation, for 8weeks. RE fish had significantly reduced growth (p<0.001) and adipose tissue weight (p<0.001), and higher plasma leptin levels (p=0.022) compared with SA fish. Moreover, plasma leptin levels negatively correlated with mesenteric fat index (p=0.009). Adipocytes isolated from the different fish were treated with insulin, ghrelin, leucine, eicosapentaenoic acid or left untreated (control). In adipocytes from fish fed regular diet, insulin and ghrelin increased leptin secretion dose-dependently (p=0.002; p=0.033, respectively). Leptin secretion in control adipocytes was significantly higher in RE than in SA fish (p=0.022) in agreement with the in vivo findings, indicating that adipose tissue may contribute to the circulating leptin levels. No treatment effects were observed in adipocytes from the high-energy diet groups, neither in leptin expression nor secretion, except that leptin secretion was significantly reduced by leucine in RE fish adipocytes (p=0.025). Overall, these data show that the regulation of leptin in rainbow trout adipocytes by hormones and nutrients seems to be on secretion, rather than at the transcriptional level. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma levels of F-actin and F:G-actin ratio as potential new biomarkers in patients with septic shock.

PubMed

Belsky, Justin B; Morris, Daniel C; Bouchebl, Ralph; Filbin, Michael R; Bobbitt, Kevin R; Jaehne, Anja K; Rivers, Emanuel P

2016-01-01

To compare plasma levels of F-actin, G-actin and thymosin beta 4 (TB4) in humans with septic shock, noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and healthy controls. F-actin was significantly elevated in septic shock as compared with noninfectious SIRS and healthy controls. G-actin levels were greatest in the noninfectious SIRS group but significantly elevated in septic shock as compared with healthy controls. TB4 was not detectable in the septic shock or noninfectious SIRS group above the assay's lowest detection range (78 ng/ml). F-actin is significantly elevated in patients with septic shock as compared with noninfectious SIRS. F-actin and the F:G-actin ratio are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of septic shock.

Minimal alteration in the ratio of circulatory fetal DNA to fetal corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA level in preeclampsia.

PubMed

Zhong, Xiao Yan; Holzgreve, Wolfgang; Gebhardt, Stefan; Hillermann, Renate; Tofa, Kashefa Carelse; Gupta, Anurag Kumar; Huppertz, Berthold; Hahn, Sinuhe

2006-01-01

We have recently observed that fetal DNA and fetal corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA are associated with in vitro generated syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles, and that the ratio of fetal DNA to mRNA (CRH) varied according to whether the particles were derived by predominantly apoptotic, apo-necrotic or necrotic pathways. Hence, we examined whether these ratios varied in maternal plasma samples taken from normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies in vivo. Maternal plasma samples were collected from 18 cases with preeclampsia and 29 normotensive term controls. Circulatory fetal CRH mRNA and DNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR and RT-PCR. Circulatory fetal mRNA and fetal DNA levels were significantly elevated in the preeclampsia study group when compared to normotensive controls. Alterations in the fetal mRNA to DNA ratio between the study and control groups were minimal, even when stratified into early (<34 weeks of gestation) and late (>34 weeks of gestation) onset preeclampsia. Our data suggest that although circulatory fetal DNA and mRNA levels are significantly elevated in preeclampsia, the ratios in maternal plasma are not dramatically altered. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Alteration in plasma free amino acid levels and its association with gout.

PubMed

Mahbub, M H; Yamaguchi, Natsu; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Hase, Ryosuke; Amano, Hiroki; Kobayashi-Miura, Mikiko; Kanda, Hideyuki; Fujita, Yasuyuki; Yamamoto, Hiroshi; Yamamoto, Mai; Kikuchi, Shinya; Ikeda, Atsuko; Kageyama, Naoko; Nakamura, Mina; Ishimaru, Yasutaka; Sunagawa, Hiroshi; Tanabe, Tsuyoshi

2017-03-16

Studies on the association of plasma-free amino acids with gout are very limited and produced conflicting results. Therefore, we sought to explore and characterize the plasma-free amino acid (PFAA) profile in patients with gout and evaluate its association with the latter. Data from a total of 819 subjects (including 34 patients with gout) undergoing an annual health examination program in Shimane, Japan were considered for this study. Venous blood samples were collected from the subjects and concentrations of 19 plasma amino acids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Student's t-test was applied for comparison of variables between patient and control groups. The relationships between the presence or absence of gout and individual amino acids were investigated by logistic regression analysis controlling for the effects of potential demographic confounders. Among 19 amino acids, the levels of 10 amino acids (alanine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, tryptophan, valine) differed significantly (P < .001 to .05) between the patient and control groups. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that plasma levels of alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine had significant positive associations (P < .005 to .05) whereas glycine and serine had significant inverse association (P < .05) with gout. The observed significant changes in PFAA profiles may have important implications for improving our understanding of pathophysiology, diagnosis and prevention of gout. The findings of this study need further confirmation in future large-scale studies involving a larger number of patients with gout.

Effect of acute and chronic exercise on plasma matrix metalloproteinase and total antioxidant levels

PubMed Central

Mergen-Dalyanoglu, Mukaddes; Turgut, Sebahat; Turgut, Günfer

2017-01-01

The relationship between acute and chronic exercise and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in muscles is unknown. There happen some alterations in the oxidant-antioxidant balance due to exercise. This study aimed to investigate the levels of MMP-1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), hyaluronic acid (HA), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) following acute and chronic exercising in rats. Twenty-six Wistar Albino male rats were divided in to three groups: control, acute, and chronic groups. In acute group, treadmill exercise was performed 3 days/wk, 10 min/day for 1 week. In chronic group, exercise performed 7 days/wk, 60 min/day for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, plasma MMP-1, TIMP-1, HA, TAS, and TOS levels were measured. In current study, the MMP-1, TIMP-1, HA, and TOS levels not observed statistically significant difference among all groups, but in chronic group, there was a significantly difference (P<0.05) between the control and experimental groups in terms of TAS and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly different between control and chronic exercise group (P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.01, respectively). According to these results, we can say acute and chronic exercise does not effect on plasma MMP-1, TIMP-1, and HA levels. PMID:29114524

Effect of chronic intracerebroventricular angiotensin II infusion on vasopressin release in rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterling, G. H.; Chee, O.; Riggs, R. V.; Keil, L. C.

1980-01-01

The effects of the chronic infusion of angiotensin II into the lateral cerebral ventricle on the release of arginine vasopressin in rats are investigated. Rats were subjected to a continuous infusion of angiotensin at a rate of 1 microgram/h for five days, during which they were offered water, isotonic saline or hypertonic saline ad libitum or 40 ml water/day, and fluid intake, changes in body weight, plasma sodium ion concentrations and plasma and pituitary arginine vasopressin levels were measured. Angiotensin II is found to increase the fluid intake of rats given isotonic saline and decrease plasma sodium ion levels with no changes in plasma or pituitary arginine vasopressin in those given water or isotonic saline. However, in rats given hypertonic saline, plasma sodium concentrations remained at control levels while plasma vasopressin increased, and in water-restricted rats the effects of angiotensin II were intermediate. Results thus demonstrate that angiotensin II-stimulated arginine vasopressin release is reduced under conditions in which plasma sodium ion concentration becomes dilute, compatible with a central role of angiotensin in the regulation of salt and water balance.

Successful treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia with a formula diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides.

PubMed

Hauenschild, Annette; Bretzel, Reinhard G; Schnell-Kretschmer, Henning; Kloer, Hans-Ulrich; Hardt, Philip D; Ewald, Nils

2010-01-01

Patients with highly increased plasma triglyceride levels are at risk of developing serious complications such as pancreatitis, coronary heart disease and stroke. Therefore it is important to rapidly decrease plasma triglyceride levels. A sufficient control of triglyceride levels with drugs like fibrates, statins or nicotinic acid can usually only be attained after a couple of weeks. Plasma exchange appears to be a fast but expensive method to reduce triglyceride levels. In this study we describe the use of a new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet as a therapeutic concept to reduce plasma triglyceride levels fast and effectively. Thirty-two patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia were treated with the especially composed formula diet for a period of 7 days. Within this period of time, plasma triglycerides decreased from 1,601 (402-4,555) to 554 (142-2,382) mg/dl (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol levels were reduced from 417 (211-841) to 287 (165-457) mg/dl (p < 0.001). Fasting glucose and uric acid levels also slightly decreased (-8%; -12%). The formula diet as a 1-week treatment was well tolerated and accepted by the patients. This diet was successfully used as an acute treatment in severe hypertriglyceridemia and showed effectiveness in rapidly and safely lowering plasma triglyceride levels. (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Role of the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase NQR and the cytochrome b AIR12 in controlling superoxide generation at the plasma membrane.

PubMed

Biniek, Catherine; Heyno, Eiri; Kruk, Jerzy; Sparla, Francesca; Trost, Paolo; Krieger-Liszkay, Anja

2017-04-01

The quinone reductase NQR and the b-type cytochrome AIR12 of the plasma membrane are important for the control of reactive oxygen species in the apoplast. AIR12 and NQR are two proteins attached to the plant plasma membrane which may be important for generating and controlling levels of reactive oxygen species in the apoplast. AIR12 (Auxin Induced in Root culture) is a single gene of Arabidopsis that codes for a mono-heme cytochrome b. The NADPH quinone oxidoreductase NQR is a two-electron-transferring flavoenzyme that contributes to the generation of O 2 •- in isolated plasma membranes. A. thaliana double knockout plants of both NQR and AIR12 generated more O 2 •- and germinated faster than the single mutant affected in AIR12. To test whether NQR and AIR12 are able to interact functionally, recombinant purified proteins were added to plasma membranes isolated from soybean hypocotyls. In vitro NADH-dependent O 2 •- production at the plasma membrane in the presence of NQR was reduced upon addition of AIR12. Electron donation from semi-reduced menadione to AIR12 was shown to take place. Biochemical analysis showed that purified plasma membrane from soybean hypocotyls or roots contained phylloquinone and menaquinone-4 as redox carriers. This is the first report on the occurrence of menaquinone-4 in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. We propose that NQR and AIR12 interact via the quinone, allowing an electron transfer from cytosolic NAD(P)H to apoplastic monodehydroascorbate and control thereby the level of reactive oxygen production and the redox state of the apoplast.

Global- and renal-specific sympathoinhibition in aldosterone hypertension.

PubMed

Lohmeier, Thomas E; Liu, Boshen; Hildebrandt, Drew A; Cates, Adam W; Georgakopoulos, Dimitrios; Irwin, Eric D

2015-06-01

Recent technology for chronic electric activation of the carotid baroreflex and renal nerve ablation provide global and renal-specific suppression of sympathetic activity, respectively, but the conditions for favorable antihypertensive responses in resistant hypertension are unclear. Because inappropriately high plasma levels of aldosterone are prevalent in these patients, we investigated the effects of baroreflex activation and surgical renal denervation in dogs with hypertension induced by chronic infusion of aldosterone (12 μg/kg per day). Under control conditions, basal values for mean arterial pressure and plasma norepinephrine concentration were 100±3 mm Hg and 134±26 pg/mL, respectively. By day 7 of baroreflex activation, plasma norepinephrine was reduced by ≈40% and arterial pressure by 16±2 mm Hg. All values returned to control levels during the recovery period. Arterial pressure increased to 122±5 mm Hg concomitant with a rise in plasma aldosterone concentration from 4.3±0.4 to 70.0±6.4 ng/dL after 14 days of aldosterone infusion, with no significant effect on plasma norepinephrine. After 7 days of baroreflex activation at control stimulation parameters, the reduction in plasma norepinephrine was similar but the fall in arterial pressure (7±1 mm Hg) was diminished (≈55%) during aldosterone hypertension when compared with control conditions. Despite sustained suppression of sympathetic activity, baroreflex activation did not have central actions to inhibit either the stimulation of vasopressin secretion or drinking induced by increased plasma osmolality during chronic aldosterone infusion. Finally, renal denervation did not attenuate aldosterone hypertension. These findings suggest that aldosterone excess may portend diminished blood pressure lowering to global and especially renal-specific sympathoinhibition during device-based therapy. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Global and Renal-Specific Sympathoinhibition in Aldosterone Hypertension

PubMed Central

Lohmeier, Thomas E.; Liu, Boshen; Hildebrandt, Drew A.; Cates, Adam W.; Georgakopoulos, Dimitrios; Irwin, Eric D.

2015-01-01

Recent technology for chronic electrical activation of the carotid baroreflex and renal nerve ablation provide global and renal-specific suppression of sympathetic activity, respectively, but the conditions for favorable antihypertensive responses in resistant hypertension are unclear. Because inappropriately high plasma levels of aldosterone are prevalent in these patients, we investigated the effects of baroreflex activation and surgical renal denervation in dogs with hypertension induced by chronic infusion of aldosterone (12µg/kg/day). Under control conditions, basal values for mean arterial pressure and plasma norepinephrine concentration were 100±3 mm Hg and 134±26 pg/mL, respectively. By day 7 of baroreflex activation, plasma norepinephrine was reduced by ~ 40% and arterial pressure by 16±2 mmHg. All values returned to control levels during the recovery period. Arterial pressure increased to 122±5 mm Hg concomitant with a rise in plasma aldosterone concentration from 4.3±0.4 to 70.0±6.4 ng/dL after 14 days of aldosterone infusion, with no significant effect on plasma norepinephrine. After 7 days of baroreflex activation at control stimulation parameters, the reduction in plasma norepinephrine was similar but the fall in arterial pressure (7±1 mmHg) was diminished (~ 55%) during aldosterone hypertension as compared to control conditions. Despite sustained suppression of sympathetic activity, baroreflex activation did not have central actions to inhibit either the stimulation of vasopressin secretion or drinking induced by increased plasma osmolality during chronic aldosterone infusion. Finally, renal denervation did not attenuate aldosterone hypertension. These findings suggest that aldosterone excess may portend diminished blood pressure lowering to global and especially renal-specific sympathoinhibition during device-based therapy. PMID:25895584

Circulating Plasma Levels of MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-221 Are Potential Diagnostic Markers for Primary Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Kemeny, Nancy; Kingham, T. Peter; Allen, Peter J.; D’Angelica, Michael I.; DeMatteo, Ronald P.; Betel, Doron; Klimstra, David; Jarnagin, William R.; Ventura, Andrea

2016-01-01

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers in various malignancies. We aim to characterize miRNA expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and identify circulating plasma miRNAs with potential diagnostic and prognostic utility. Methods Using deep-sequencing techniques, miRNA expression between tumor samples and non-neoplastic liver parenchyma were compared. Overexpressed miRNAs were measured in plasma from an independent cohort of patients with cholangiocarcinoma using RT-qPCR and compared with that healthy volunteers. The discriminatory ability of the evaluated plasma miRNAs between patients and controls was evaluated with receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Small RNAs from 12 ICC and 11 tumor-free liver samples were evaluated. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering using the miRNA expression data showed clear grouping of ICC vs. non-neoplastic liver parenchyma. We identified 134 down-regulated and 128 upregulated miRNAs. Based on overexpression and high fold-change, miR21, miR200b, miR221, and miR34c were measured in plasma from an independent cohort of patients with ICC (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 7). Significant overexpression of miR-21 and miR-221 was found in plasma from ICC patients. Furthermore, circulating miR-21 demonstrated a high discriminatory ability between patients with ICC and healthy controls (AUC: 0.94). Conclusion Among the differentially expressed miRNAs in ICC, miR-21 and miR-221 are overexpressed and detectable in the circulation. Plasma expression levels of these miRNAs, particularly miR-21, accurately differentiates patients with ICC from healthy controls and could potentially serve as adjuncts in diagnosis. Prospective validation and comparison with other hepatobiliary malignancies is required to establish their potential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. PMID:27685844

Correlation between plasma glucagon-like peptide 2 levels and proliferative makers in small intestinal injury in rats induced by methotrexate administration.

PubMed

Hirotani, Yoshihiko; Yamamoto, Kaoru; Ikeda, Kenji; Arakawa, Yukio; Li, Jun; Kitamura, Kazuyuki; Kurokawa, Nobuo; Tanaka, Kazuhiko

2006-11-01

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a potent intestinal epithelium-specific growth factor that has been shown to reduce the severity of inflammatory disorders of the intestine in rodent models. We examined whether a relationship exists between plasma level of GLP-2 and the degree of intestinal injury induced by chemotherapeutic agents in the rat. Methotrexate (MTX) was administrated orally for 6 consecutive days at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg body weight per day. Mucosal samples of rat duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were used for assessment of mucosal weight, DNA and protein content. Plasma GLP-2 levels were measured on day 8. MTX significantly reduced body weight. The values of all indices tended to decrease in all segments with increases in MTX dose. Plasma GLP-2 levels were significantly higher in the MTX 2.5 mg/kg/d group (p<0.05) and the MTX 5.0 mg/kg/d group (p<0.01) than in the control group. Correlations were found between plasma GLP-2 levels and mucosal weight, DNA and protein content. We concluded that plasma GLP-2 levels reflect the degree of intestinal injury following MTX administration in this preclinical model.

Normalization of Patient-Identified Plasma Biomarkers in SMNΔ7 Mice following Postnatal SMN Restoration

PubMed Central

Arnold, W. David; Duque, Sandra; Iyer, Chitra C.; Zaworski, Phillip; McGovern, Vicki L.; Taylor, Shannon J.; von Herrmann, Katharine M.; Kobayashi, Dione T.; Chen, Karen S.; Kolb, Stephen J.; Paushkin, Sergey V.; Burghes, Arthur H. M.

2016-01-01

Introduction and Objective Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disorder. SMA is caused by homozygous loss of the SMN1 gene and retention of the SMN2 gene resulting in reduced levels of full length SMN protein that are insufficient for motor neuron function. Various treatments that restore levels of SMN are currently in clinical trials and biomarkers are needed to determine the response to treatment. Here, we sought to investigate in SMA mice a set of plasma analytes, previously identified in patients with SMA to correlate with motor function. The goal was to determine whether levels of plasma markers were altered in the SMNΔ7 mouse model of SMA and whether postnatal SMN restoration resulted in normalization of the biomarkers. Methods SMNΔ7 and control mice were treated with antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting ISS-N1 to increase SMN protein from SMN2 or scramble ASO (sham treatment) via intracerebroventricular injection on postnatal day 1 (P1). Brain, spinal cord, quadriceps muscle, and liver were analyzed for SMN protein levels at P12 and P90. Ten plasma biomarkers (a subset of biomarkers in the SMA-MAP panel available for analysis in mice) were analyzed in plasma obtained at P12, P30, and P90. Results Of the eight plasma biomarkers assessed, 5 were significantly changed in sham treated SMNΔ7 mice compared to control mice and were normalized in SMNΔ7 mice treated with ASO. Conclusion This study defines a subset of the SMA-MAP plasma biomarker panel that is abnormal in the most commonly used mouse model of SMA. Furthermore, some of these markers are responsive to postnatal SMN restoration. These findings support continued clinical development of these potential prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. PMID:27907033

Plasma homocysteine levels, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C gene polymorphism and risk of retinal vein thrombosis.

PubMed

Ghaznavi, Habib; Soheili, Zahra; Samiei, Shahram; Soltanpour, Mohammad Soleiman

2016-09-01

There are limited data regarding the role of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia as risk factors for retinal vein thrombosis (RVT) in Iranians. This study aimed to examine a possible association between fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and RVT development in Iranian patients. Our study population consisted of 73 patients with a diagnosis of RVT (52.7 ± 16.2 years) and 73 age and sex-matched healthy controls (49.1 ± 14.6 years). Genotyping for the MTHFR A1298Cpolymorphism was conducted by PCR-RFLP technique and plasma tHcy levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay method. Fasting plasma tHcy levels were 20.29 ± 8.5 μmol/l in RVT patients and 10.9 ± 3.1 μmol/l in control subjects. The number of cases with abnormal tHcy values (hyperhomocysteinemia) was significantly higher in the RVT patients than control subjects (P = 0.0001). The prevalence of MTHFR 1298CC homozygote genotype was similar in RVT patients and controls (17.8 vs.15.1%, P = 0.45). There were no significant differences in genotype distribution of MTHFR A1298C polymorphism between males and females in both RVT patients and controls (P > 0.05). The frequency of the 1298C allele was 39.1 and 35.6% in patients and controls, respectively, and did not differ significantly between them (P = 0.23). Moreover, heterozygote and homozygote genotypes in the RVT patients had significantly higher abnormal tHcy values than corresponding genotypes in control subjects (P < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that hyperhomocysteinemia but not homozygosity for MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is a significant risk factor for RVT in the Iranian population.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative combined GFAP, IGFBP-2, and YKL-40 plasma levels in patients with glioblastoma.

PubMed

Gállego Pérez-Larraya, Jaime; Paris, Sophie; Idbaih, Ahmed; Dehais, Caroline; Laigle-Donadey, Florence; Navarro, Soledad; Capelle, Laurent; Mokhtari, Karima; Marie, Yannick; Sanson, Marc; Hoang-Xuan, Khê; Delattre, Jean-Yves; Mallet, Alain

2014-12-15

Circulating proteins released by tumor cells have recently been investigated as potential single surrogate biomarkers for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The aim of the current hypothesis-generating study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of preoperative insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) plasma levels in patients with GBM, both as single markers and as a combined profile. Plasma samples from 111 patients with GBM and a subset of 40 patients with nonglial brain tumors were obtained preoperatively. Plasma from 99 healthy controls was also analyzed. IGFBP-2, YKL-40, and GFAP levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay tests. Their association with histological and radiological variables was assessed. Circulating levels of all 3 proteins were found to be significantly higher in patients with GBM compared with healthy controls (P < .01). Only YKL-40 and GFAP were found to demonstrate significant differences between patients with GBM and nonglial brain tumors (P = .04). GFAP was undetectable (<0.02 ng/mL) in all patients without GBM. A receiver operating characteristic analysis accounting for a 2-step diagnostic procedure including the 3 biomarkers afforded an area under the curve of 0.77 for differentiating patients with GBM from those with nonglial brain tumors. There was a significant correlation between tumor volume and plasma IGFBP-2 level (Spearman Rho correlation coefficient, 0.22; P = .025) and GFAP (Spearman Rho correlation coefficient, 0.36; P < .001) among patients with GBM. Preoperative plasma IGFBP-2 levels were found to be independently associated with worse overall survival among patients with GBM (hazard ratio, 1.3; P = .05). A combined profile of preoperative IGFBP-2, GFAP, and YKL-40 plasma levels could serve as an additional diagnostic tool for patients with inoperable brain lesions suggestive of GBM. In addition, IGFBP-2 levels appear to constitute an independent prognostic factor in patients with GBM. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

Plasma carotenoids and the risk of premalignant breast disease in women aged 50 and younger: a nested case-control study.

PubMed

Cohen, Kevin; Liu, Ying; Luo, Jingqin; Appleton, Catherine M; Colditz, Graham A

2017-04-01

To examine the association of plasma carotenoids, micronutrients in fruits, and vegetables, with risk of premalignant breast disease (PBD) in younger women. Blood samples were collected at the Siteman Cancer Center between 2008 and 2012 from 3537 women aged 50 or younger with no history of cancer or PBD. The analysis included 147 participants diagnosed with benign breast disease or breast carcinoma in situ during a 27-month follow-up and 293 controls. Cases and controls were matched on age, race/ethnicity, and date of and fasting status at blood draw. Plasma carotenoids were quantified. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and linear regression to assess racial differences in plasma carotenoids. The risk reduction between the highest and lowest tertiles varied by carotenoid, with β-cryptoxanthin having the greatest reduction (OR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.62-1.09; P trend  = 0.056) and total carotenoids the least (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.48-1.44; P trend  = 0.12). We observed an inverse association between plasma carotenoids and risk of PBD in obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ; 61 cases and 115 controls) but not lean women (BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ; 54 cases and 79 controls), although the interaction was not statistically significant. Compared to white women, black women had lower levels of α and β-carotene and higher levels of β-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin. We observed suggestive inverse associations between plasma carotenoids and risk of PBD in younger women, consistent with inverse associations reported for invasive breast cancer. Carotenoids may play a role early in breast cancer development.

Plasma Carotenoids and the Risk of Premalignant Breast Disease in Women Aged 50 and Younger: A Nested Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Cohen, Kevin; Liu, Ying; Luo, Jingqin; Appleton, Catherine M.; Colditz, Graham A.

2017-01-01

Purpose To examine the association of plasma carotenoids, micronutrients in fruits and vegetables, with risk of premalignant breast disease (PBD) in younger women. Methods Blood samples were collected at the Siteman Cancer Center between 2008 and 2012 from 3,537 women aged 50 or younger with no history of cancer or PBD. The analysis included 147 participants diagnosed with benign breast disease or breast carcinoma in situ during a 27-month followup and 293 controls. Cases and controls were matched on age, race/ethnicity, and date of and fasting status at blood draw. Plasma carotenoids were quantified. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and linear regression to assess racial differences in plasma carotenoids. Results The risk reduction between the highest and lowest tertiles varied by carotenoid, with β-cryptoxanthin having the greatest reduction (OR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.62–1.09; Ptrend=0.056) and total carotenoids the least (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.48–1.44; Ptrend=0.12). We observed an inverse association between plasma carotenoids and risk of PBD in obese women (BMI≥30 kg/m2; 61 cases and 115 controls) but not lean women (BMI<25 kg/m2; 54 cases and 79 controls), although the interaction was not statistically significant. Compared to white women, black women had lower levels of α and β-carotene and higher levels of β-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin. Conclusions We observed suggestive inverse associations between plasma carotenoids and risk of PBD in younger women , consistent with inverse associations reported for invasive breast cancer. Carotenoids may play a role early in breast cancer development. PMID:28190250

High-intensity interval training lowers blood pressure and improves apelin and NOx plasma levels in older treated hypertensive individuals.

PubMed

Izadi, Mohammad Reza; Ghardashi Afousi, Alireza; Asvadi Fard, Maryam; Babaee Bigi, Mohammad Ali

2018-02-01

Hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apelin levels and NO bioavailability are impaired in older hypertensive patients. Exercise is an effective intervention for treating hypertension. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training on blood pressure, apelin, and NOx plasma levels in older treated hypertensive individuals. Thirty treated hypertensive subjects (61.70 ± 5.78 years, 17 males, 13 females) were randomly divided into 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The exercise training was conducted for three 35-min sessions a week (1.5-min interval at 85-90% of heart rate reserve [HRR] and 2 min active phase at 50-55% of HRR). Assessment of plasma apelin, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was performed before and after the intervention. At the end of the study, apelin, and NOx plasma levels increased significantly in the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group (P = 0.021, P = 0.003, respectively). Conversely, ET-1 plasma levels significantly decreased in the training group after the intervention (P = 0.015). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the change of plasma apelin and change of plasma NOx (r = 0. 771, P = 0.0008). In addition, there was a negative correlation between the change of plasma ET-1, change of plasma apelin (r = - 0.595, P = 0.019), and variation of NOx (r = - 0.572, P = 0.025). This study indicates that, by increasing of apelin and NOx plasma levels, HIIT may be effective in reducing blood pressure.

[The clinical significance of the measurement of plasma transferrin as a growth factor. II. The changes in various endocrine status].

PubMed

Matsubara, M; Odagaki, E; Morioka, T; Nakagawa, K

1987-05-20

The clinical significance of the measurement of plasma transferrin (Tf) in patients with hypophysial disorders was reported in our previous papers. In the present study, we determined plasma Tf levels in 55 patients with various endocrine states and considered their clinical significance compared with plasma somatomedin-C (SM-C) levels. Plasma Tf levels decreased significantly in patients with anorexia nervosa (p less than 0.02), hyperthyroidism (p less than 0.05), primary hypothyroidism (p less than 0.05) and Cushing's syndrome (p less than 0.05), while they were elevated significantly in pregnancy (p less than 0.01) or females using estrogens (p less than 0.05). The former two declines were considered a reflection of the malnutritional state of the patients since a significant negative correlation was observed between plasma Tf levels and the percentile deficit from the ideal body weight in patients with anorexia nervosa (p less than 0.01), or between plasma Tf levels and elevated T3 levels which induce hypermetabolism in patients with hyperthyroidism (p less than 0.01). A significant correlation was observed between the SM-C and Tf levels in these subjects (including normal controls and patients with hypophysial disorders) as a whole (r = 0.79, p less than 0.001). These data indicate that plasma Tf is changeable according to the endocrinological and nutritional conditions with good correlation to the SM-C, and it is suggested that Tf also operates as a growth factor in vivo.

Plasmapheresis in thrombotic microangiopathy-associated syndromes: review of outcome data derived from clinical trials and open studies.

PubMed

von Baeyer, Hans

2002-08-01

Current reimbursement policy of health insurance for therapeutic plasmapheresis requires proof of efficacy using the concept of evidence-based medicine. The aim of this paper is to review the outcome of plasmapheresis used to treat thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)-associated syndromes in the last decade to provide scientific evidence to back up reimbursement applications. The strength of evidence of each reviewed study was assessed using the five levels of evidence criteria as defined by the American Society of Hematology in 1996 for assessment of the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia. The level Experimental indication was added for situations where only case reports or small series supported by pathophysiological reasoning are available. The definitions of evidence used in this paper are as follows: Level I, randomized clinical trial with low rates of error (p < 0.01); Level II, randomized clinical trial with high rates of error (p < 0.05); Level III, nonrandomized studies with concurrent control group; Level IV, nonrandomized studies with historical control group; Level V, case series without a control group or expert opinion; and Experimental, case reports and pathophysiological reasoning. The results of this analysis based on the published data is summarized as follows: The indication of plasmapheresis is assigned to Level IV evidence for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS); cancer/chemotherapy-associated TTP/HUS is assigned to Level V evidence; and TTP/HUS refractory to standard plasma exchange and post-bone marrow transplantation TTP/HUS are assigned to Experimental indication. For both subsets, protein A immunoadsorption is reportedly successful. The other TMA-associated syndromes, hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets and HUS in early childhood, are no indication of plasmapheresis. Two randomized clinical trials were performed in order to demonstrate the superiority of plasma exchange/fresh frozen plasma (PEX/FFP) over plasma transfusion in the management of TTP/HUS. The results prove the greater clinical success of the latter type of plasma administration. Standard PEX/FFP has reduced the mortality of TTP/HUS from 94.5% to 13%.

Predicting normal tissue radiosensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickson, Jeanette

Two methods of predicting normal cell radiosensitivity were investigated in different patient groups. Plasma transforming growth factor beta one (TGFbeta1) levels were measured by ELISA, using a commercially available kit. Residual DNA double strand breaks were measured in normal epidermal fibroblasts following 150 Gy. After allowing 24 hours for repair, the DNA damage was assayed using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Pretreatment plasma TGFbeta1 levels were investigated retrospectively in patients with carcinoma of the cervix in relation to tumour control and late morbidity following radiotherapy. Plasma TGFbeta1 levels increased with increasing disease stage. They also correlated with two other known measures of tumour burden i.e. plasma levels of carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125) and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA). Elevated pretreatment plasma TGFbeta1 levels predicted for a poor outcome both in terms of local control and overall survival. Plasma TGF?l levels did not predict for the development of radiotherapy morbidity of any grade. In conclusion pre-treatment plasma TGFbeta1 levels predict for tumour burden and tumour outcome in patients with carcinoma of the cervix. Changes in plasma TGFbeta1 levels measured prospectively may predict for radiation morbidity and should be investigated. A prospective study was undertaken in patients with carcinoma of the head and neck region. Changes in plasma TGFbeta1 levels between the start and the end of a course of radical radiotherapy were investigated in relation to the development of acute radiation toxicity. Patients were categorised according to the pattern of response of their TGFbeta1 levels over the course of their treatment. Those patients whose TGFbeta1 levels decreased, but did not normalise during radiotherapy were assigned to category 2. Category 2 predicted for a severe acute reaction, as measured using the LENT SOMA score, with a sensitivity of 33% and a specificity of 100%. The positive predictive value of was 100%. As part of the validation of the commercially available TGFbeta1 kit, samples were obtained from sixty-six normal volunteers with a wide age distribution. This large series demonstrated an unexpected age-related rise in TGFbeta1 levels that had not been previously demonstrated in the literature. In breast carcinoma patients, two assays were performed retrospectively. Both pre-treatment plasma TGFbeta1 levels and residual DNA double strand breaks (measured using PFGE) were correlated with clinical outcome. Outcome was in the form of a total LENT SOMA score and late radiation fibrosis score, as measured by clinical palpation. No relationship was demonstrated between either pretreatment TGFbeta1 levels or residual DNA double strand breaks and late radiotherapy outcome. This failed to validate a similar series of patients investigated in the same department using the same technique. This work has shown that measurement of residual DNA double strand breaks using PFGE is not sufficiently robust to be used clinically as a predictor of normal tissue radioresponse. In conclusion, changes in TGFbeta1 plasma levels occurring over time during a course of radical radiotherapy, hold promise for the development of a rapid test of intrinsic radiosensitivity.

Oxidative stress and APO E polymorphisms in Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Chico, L; Simoncini, C; Lo Gerfo, A; Rocchi, A; Petrozzi, L; Carlesi, C; Volpi, L; Tognoni, G; Siciliano, G; Bonuccelli, U

2013-08-01

A number of evidences indicates oxidative stress as a relevant pathogenic factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considering its recognized major genetic risk factors in AD, apolipoprotein (APO E) has been investigated in several experimental settings regarding its role in the process of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The aim of this work has been to evaluate possible relationships between APO E genotype and plasma levels of selected oxidative stress markers in both AD and MCI patients. APO E genotypes were determined using restriction enzyme analysis. Plasma levels of oxidative markers, advanced oxidation protein products, iron-reducing ability of plasma and, in MCI, activity of superoxide dismutases were evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis. We found, compared to controls, increased levels of oxidized proteins and decreased values of plasma-reducing capacity in both AD patients (p < 0.0001) and MCI patients (p < 0.001); the difference between AD and MCI patients was significant only for plasma-reducing capacity (p < 0.0001), the former showing the lowest values. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced, although not at statistical level, in MCI compared with that in controls. E4 allele was statistically associated (p < 0.05) with AD patients. When comparing different APO E genotype subgroups, no difference was present, as far as advanced oxidation protein products and iron-reducing ability of plasma levels were concerned, between E4 and non-E4 carriers, in both AD and MCI; on the contrary, E4 carriers MCI patients showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) superoxide dismutase activity with respect to non-E4 carriers. This study, in confirming the occurrence of oxidative stress in AD and MCI patients, shows how it can be related, at least for superoxide dismutase activity in MCI, to APO E4 allele risk factor.

Responses to dehydration in the one-humped camel and effects of blocking the renin-angiotensin system.

PubMed

Ali, Mahmoud Alhaj; Adem, Abdu; Chandranath, Irwin S; Benedict, Sheela; Pathan, Javed Y; Nagelkerke, Nicolas; Nyberg, Fred; Lewis, Lynley K; Yandle, Tim G; Nicholls, Gary M; Frampton, Chris M; Kazzam, Elsadig

2012-01-01

Our objectives were to compare the levels of circulating electrolytes, hormones, and renal function during 20 days of dehydration in camels versus the level in non-dehydrated camels and to record the effect of blocking angiotensin II AT1 receptors with losartan during dehydration. Dehydration induced significant increments in serum sodium, creatinine, urea, a substantial fall in body weight, and a doubling in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels. Plasma aldosterone, however, was unaltered compared with time-matched controls. Losartan significantly enhanced the effect of dehydration to reduce body weight and increase serum levels of creatinine and urea, whilst also impairing the rise in plasma AVP and reducing aldosterone levels. We conclude that dehydration in the camel induces substantial increments in serum sodium, creatinine, urea and AVP levels; that aldosterone levels are altered little by dehydration; that blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptors enhances the dehydration-induced fall in body weight and increase in serum creatinine and urea levels whilst reducing aldosterone and attenuating the rise in plasma AVP.

Responses to Dehydration in the One-Humped Camel and Effects of Blocking the Renin-Angiotensin System

PubMed Central

Ali, Mahmoud Alhaj; Adem, Abdu; Chandranath, Irwin S.; Benedict, Sheela; Pathan, Javed Y.; Nagelkerke, Nicolas; Nyberg, Fred; Lewis, Lynley K.; Yandle, Tim G.; Nicholls, Gary M.; Frampton, Chris M.; Kazzam, Elsadig

2012-01-01

Our objectives were to compare the levels of circulating electrolytes, hormones, and renal function during 20 days of dehydration in camels versus the level in non-dehydrated camels and to record the effect of blocking angiotensin II AT1 receptors with losartan during dehydration. Dehydration induced significant increments in serum sodium, creatinine, urea, a substantial fall in body weight, and a doubling in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels. Plasma aldosterone, however, was unaltered compared with time-matched controls. Losartan significantly enhanced the effect of dehydration to reduce body weight and increase serum levels of creatinine and urea, whilst also impairing the rise in plasma AVP and reducing aldosterone levels. We conclude that dehydration in the camel induces substantial increments in serum sodium, creatinine, urea and AVP levels; that aldosterone levels are altered little by dehydration; that blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptors enhances the dehydration-induced fall in body weight and increase in serum creatinine and urea levels whilst reducing aldosterone and attenuating the rise in plasma AVP. PMID:22624009

Effect of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves extract on blood glucose and plasma lipid levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

PubMed

Wang, Li; Zhang, Xue Tong; Zhang, Hai Yan; Yao, Hui Yuan; Zhang, Hui

2010-08-09

To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves (VBTL) extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. After administration of VBTL extract for 4 weeks, the body weight, organ weight, blood glucose (BG), insulin and plasma lipid levels of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were measured. Body weights of diabetic mice treated with VBTL extract were partly recovered. The BG levels of AEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL aqueous extract) were reduced to 91.52 and 85.82% at week 2 and week 4, respectively (P<0.05), while those of EEG (diabetic mice treated with VBTL ethanolic extract) were reduced slightly (P>0.05). The insulin levels of AEG and EEG were obviously higher (P<0.05) than those of MC (diabetic mice in model control group). Comparing with MC, AEG and EEG had significantly lower (P<0.05) TC or TG levels and similar HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol levels. In comparison with non-diabetic control mice, AEG had similar plasma lipid levels except higher LDL-cholesterol level, while EEG had higher TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol levels and lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Both aqueous and ethanolic extract of VBTL possess a potential hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl quinone levels in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer.

PubMed

Palan, Prabhudas R; Woodall, Angela L; Anderson, Patrick S; Mikhail, Magdy S

2004-05-01

alpha-Tocopherol is a potent antioxidant that protects cell membranes against oxidative damage. Red blood cell alpha-tocopherol levels reflect membrane alpha-tocopherol concentrations, and altered levels may suggest membrane damage. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl quinone, the oxidized product of alpha-tocopherol, in plasma and red blood cells that were obtained from control subjects and patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. In this cross-sectional study, 72 women, (32 African American and 40 Hispanic) were recruited. Among these subjects, 37 women had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; 14 women had cervical cancer, and 21 women were considered control subjects, who had normal Papanicolaou test results. alpha-Tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl quinone levels were determined in red blood cell and plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl quinone were decreased significantly (P=.012 and=.005, respectively, by Kruskal-Wallis test) in study groups compared with the control group; red blood cell levels of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl quinone were not altered significantly. The lower alpha-tocopherol level that was observed in this study is consistent with our previous reports of decreased antioxidant concentrations and increased oxidative stress in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Unaltered red blood cell alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl quinone levels suggest undamaged cell membrane. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of oxidative stress in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Effects of acute temperature change, confinement and housing on plasma corticosterone in water snakes, Nerodia sipedon (Colubridae: Natricinae).

PubMed

Sykes, Kyle Lea; Klukowski, Matthew

2009-03-01

Body temperature affects many aspects of reptilian behavior and physiology, but its effect on hormonal secretion has been little studied, especially in snakes. Major objectives of this study were to determine if acute changes in body temperature during confinement influenced plasma corticosterone levels and if initial body temperatures upon capture in the field were related to baseline corticosterone levels in water snakes (Nerodia sipedon). Water snakes were bled upon capture in the field and after one hour of confinement in a cooled, control, or heated incubator. Since little is known about the potential metabolic changes in response to stress in reptiles, plasma triglyceride levels were also measured. Upon completion of the field study, snakes were housed for 5-8 days without food to determine the effect of chronic stress on both corticosterone and triglyceride levels. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and plasma triglycerides were determined enzymatically. In the field, experimental alterations of body temperature during confinement had no effect on corticosterone levels. Similarly, there was no correlation between initial body temperature and baseline plasma corticosterone concentrations. However, post-confinement corticosterone levels were approximately three-times greater in females than males. Plasma triglyceride levels were not affected by temperature treatment, confinement, or sex. Compared to field values, both baseline and post-confinement corticosterone levels were elevated after the chronic stress of short-term laboratory housing but triglyceride levels decreased. Overall, these results indicate that sex but not body temperature has a major influence on the adrenocortical stress response in Nerodia sipedon.

Prognostic value of plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with localized upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PubMed

Tanaka, Nobuyuki; Kikuchi, Eiji; Matsumoto, Kazuhiro; Hayakawa, Nozomi; Ide, Hiroki; Miyajima, Akira; Nakamura, So; Oya, Mototsugu

2013-05-01

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is relatively uncommon, accounting for only ~5% of urothelial malignancies and 10% of all renal tumours. Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the surgical standard of care for treating localized UTUC, but the prognosis for patients who undergo RNU remains poor. Evidence suggests that an interactive relationship exists between haemostatic factors and tumour biology. A number of procoagulant and fibrinolytic factors have been found to be overexpressed in tumours. One of these factors is plasma fibrinogen. Recent studies have shown that elevated pre-therapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with worse outcome in various malignancies; however, the prognostic value of plasma fibrinogen levels for UTUC has not yet been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to evaluate the prognostic impact of preoperative plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with localized UTUC treated surgically. We believe that the present results may assist in decision-making with respect to the need for lymph node dissection and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To investigate the prognostic value of plasma fibrinogen levels as a predictor of patient outcome in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). A total of 218 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for localized UTUC (pTa-4N0M0) were identified between 1995 and 2009. The association between preoperative plasma fibrinogen levels and clinicopathological variables was analysed. Forty-five patients experienced tumour recurrence, and 36 died from disease during the mean follow-up of 51 months. The mean (sd) preoperative plasma fibrinogen level was 362 (103) mg/dL. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that subsequent tumour recurrence was strongly predicted in patients with preoperative plasma fibrinogen levels ≥450 mg/dL, and similar results were observed for cancer-specific survival. On multivariate analysis we found that a preoperative plasma fibrinogen level of ≥450 mg/dL was an independent risk factor for subsequent tumour recurrence and cancer-specific survival. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 56.9% in patients with plasma fibrinogen levels ≥450 mg/dL and 81.5% in patients with plasma fibrinogen levels <450 mg/dL (P < 0.001). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 59.5% in patients with plasma fibrinogen levels of ≥450 mg/dL and 84.8% in patients with plasma fibrinogen levels <450 mg/dL (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, controlling for preoperative indicators, a preoperative plasma fibrinogen level of ≥450 mg/dL predicted worse pathological features, such as ≥pT3 disease and positive lymphovascular invasion, in surgical specimens. Preoperative elevated plasma fibrinogen level was an independent predictor for poor survival after RNU and for worse pathological features. Plasma fibrinogen levels may become a useful biomarker, particularly because of its low associated cost and easy accessibility. © 2012 BJU International.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Valcheva-Kuzmanova, S; Kuzmanov, K; Tancheva, S; Belcheva, A

2007-03-01

Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) is rich in phenolic antioxidants, especially flavonoids from the anthocyanin subclass. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of AMFJ on plasma glucose and lipids in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). AMFJ was applied by gavage at doses of 10 and 20 ml/kg for 6 weeks to normal and diabetic rats. Streptozotocin caused a significant elevation of plasma glucose by 141% and of plasma triglycerides (TG) by 64% in comparison with normal control rats and induced statistically insignificant elevations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and a reduction of HDL-cholesterol. Applied to normal rats, AMFJ did not influence plasma glucose and lipid levels. Applied to diabetic rats, AMFJ (10 and 20 ml/kg) significantly reduced plasma glucose by 44% and 42% and TG by 35% and 39%, respectively, to levels that did not significantly differ from those of the normal control rats and counteracted the influence of streptozotocin on total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. In conclusion, AMFJ significantly decreased the streptozotocin-induced abnormalities in blood glucose and TG in diabetic rats and might be useful in prevention and control of diabetes mellitus and diabetes-associated complications. Copyright 2007 Prous Science.

Monitoring of isotretinoin therapy by measuring the plasma levels of isotretinoin and 4-oxo-isotretinoin. A useful tool for management of severe acne.

PubMed

Almond-Roesler, B; Blume-Peytavi, U; Bisson, S; Krahn, M; Rohloff, E; Orfanos, C E

1998-01-01

Isotretinoin for oral therapy in severe acne conglobata and acne nodulocystica represents a significant achievement; however, the drug exerts several mucocutaneous and systemic adverse effects, besides its teratogenic potency. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels of isotretinoin and of 4-oxo-isotretinoin over long-term treatment of severe acne and to assess any correlation with the given dose, the clinical improvement and the occurrence of side effects. Forty-one patients with severe acne and acne-related disorders were studied under long-term oral intake of isotretinoin. Therapeutic effects and side effects were evaluated prior, during and at the end of therapy. The plasma levels of isotretinoin and of its major metabolite 4-oxo-isotretinoin were measured by reversed-phase HPLC and were correlated with the administered oral dose and the number and frequency of side effects. Dose-dependent plasma levels of isotretinoin and its metabolite were observed. At a mean dosage of 0.75-1.0 mg/kg/day, 404 +/- 142 ng/ml were measured, whereas the plasma levels of 4-oxo-isotretinoin were 1-2x higher. The plasma levels correlated well with the orally administered dose of isotretinoin and the observed mucocutaneous side effects. The study demonstrates that measuring of the plasma levels may be a helpful tool to monitor the individual therapeutic dose regimen in patients with severe acne in order to minimize undesired side effects and to control oral intake.

Hypothalamic control of pituitary and adrenal hormones during hypothermia.

PubMed

Okuda, C; Miyazaki, M; Kuriyama, K

1986-01-01

In order to investigate neuroendocrinological mechanisms of hypothermia, we determined the changes in plasma concentrations of corticosterone (CS), prolactin (PRL), and thyrotropin (TSH), and their correlations with alterations in hypothalamic dopamine (DA) and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), in rats restrained and immersed in a water bath at various temperatures. A graded decrease of body temperature induced a progressive increase in the plasma level of CS, whereas that of PRL showed a drastic decrease. The plasma level of TSH also showed an increase during mild hypothermia (about 35 degrees C), but this increase was not evident during profound hypothermia (below 24 degrees C). The changes in these hormones were readily reversed by rewarming animals. Although DA content in the hypothalamus was not affected, its metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), showed an increase following the decrease of body temperature. Pretreatment of the animals with sulpiride, a D2-antagonist, prevented the hypothermia-induced inhibition of PRL release. Hypothalamic TRH was significantly decreased during mild hypothermia, and it returned to control levels after rewarming. These results suggest that the decrease in plasma PRL induced by hypothermia may be associated with the activation of hypothalamic DA neurons, whereas the increase in plasma TSH during mild hypothermia seems to be caused by the increased release of TRH in the hypothalamus.

Locked modes in two reversed-field pinch devices of different size and shell system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malmberg, J.-A.; Brunsell, P. R.; Yagi, Y.; Koguchi, H.

2000-10-01

The behavior of locked modes in two reversed-field pinch devices, the Toroidal Pinch Experiment (TPE-RX) [Y. Yagi et al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 41, 2552 (1999)] and Extrap T2 [J. R. Drake et al., in Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1996, Montreal (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1996), Vol. 2, p. 193] is analyzed and compared. The main characteristics of the locked mode are qualitatively similar. The toroidal distribution of the mode locking shows that field errors play a role in both devices. The probability of phase locking is found to increase with increasing magnetic fluctuation levels in both machines. Furthermore, the probability of phase locking increases with plasma current in TPE-RX despite the fact that the magnetic fluctuation levels decrease. A comparison with computations using a theoretical model estimating the critical mode amplitude for locking [R. Fitzpatrick et al., Phys. Plasmas 6, 3878 (1999)] shows a good correlation with experimental results in TPE-RX. In Extrap T2, the magnetic fluctuations scale weakly with both plasma current and electron densities. This is also reflected in the weak scaling of the magnetic fluctuation levels with the Lundquist number (˜S-0.06). In TPE-RX, the corresponding scaling is ˜S-0.18.

Minimizing stellarator turbulent transport by geometric optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mynick, H. E.

2010-11-01

Up to now, a transport optimized stellarator has meant one optimized to minimize neoclassical transport,ootnotetextH.E. Mynick, Phys. Plasmas 13, 058102 (2006). while the task of also mitigating turbulent transport, usually the dominant transport channel in such designs, has not been addressed, due to the complexity of plasma turbulence in stellarators. However, with the advent of gyrokinetic codes valid for 3D geometries such as GENE,ootnotetextF. Jenko, W. Dorland, M. Kotschenreuther, B.N. Rogers, Phys. Plasmas 7, 1904 (2000). and stellarator optimization codes such as STELLOPT,ootnotetextA. Reiman, G. Fu, S. Hirshman, L. Ku, et al, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 41 B273 (1999). designing stellarators to also reduce turbulent transport has become a realistic possibility. We have been using GENE to characterize the dependence of turbulent transport on stellarator geometry,ootnotetextH.E Mynick, P.A. Xanthopoulos, A.H. Boozer, Phys.Plasmas 16 110702 (2009). and to identify key geometric quantities which control the transport level. From the information obtained from these GENE studies, we are developing proxy functions which approximate the level of turbulent transport one may expect in a machine of a given geometry, and have extended STELLOPT to use these in its cost function, obtaining stellarator configurations with turbulent transport levels substantially lower than those in the original designs.

The effects of mindfulness eating and yoga exercise on blood sugar levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Youngwanichsetha, Sununta; Phumdoung, Sasitorn; Ingkathawornwong, Thitiporn

2014-11-01

This randomized controlled trial was carried out to investigate the effect of mindfulness eating and yoga exercise on blood sugar levels among pregnant Thai women with GDM. Interventions promoting achievement of good glycemic control result in desired pregnancy outcomes. Little is known about the health benefits of mindfulness eating and yoga exercise on blood sugar levels among pregnant with GDM. A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Main outcome measures were capillary fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c. The intervention group showed significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the intervention group (p<0.05). Mindfulness eating and yoga exercise had health benefits on glycemic control in pregnant women with GDM. It should be recommended in clinical and community health services. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing Plasma Phospho Tau, Total Tau, and Phospho Tau–Total Tau Ratio as Acute and Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Rubenstein, Richard; Chang, Binggong; Yue, John K.; Chiu, Allen; Winkler, Ethan A.; Puccio, Ava M.; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon; Yuh, Esther L.; Mukherjee, Pratik; Valadka, Alex B.; Gordon, Wayne A.; Okonkwo, David O.; Davies, Peter; Agarwal, Sanjeev; Lin, Fan; Sarkis, George; Yadikar, Hamad; Yang, Zhihui; Manley, Geoffrey T.; Wang, Kevin K. W.

2017-01-01

IMPORTANCE Annually in the United States, at least 3.5 million people seek medical attention for traumatic brain injury (TBI). The development of therapies for TBI is limited by the absence of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Microtubule-associated protein tau is an axonal phosphoprotein. To date, the presence of the hypophosphorylated tau protein (P-tau) in plasma from patients with acute TBI and chronic TBI has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between plasma P-tau and total-tau (T-tau) levels and injury presence, severity, type of pathoanatomic lesion (neuroimaging), and patient outcomes in acute and chronic TBI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In the TRACK-TBI Pilot study, plasma was collected at a single time point from 196 patients with acute TBI admitted to 3 level I trauma centers (<24 hours after injury) and 21 patients with TBI admitted to inpatient rehabilitation units (mean [SD], 176.4 [44.5] days after injury). Control samples were purchased from a commercial vendor. The TRACK-TBI Pilot study was conducted from April 1, 2010, to June 30, 2012. Data analysis for the current investigation was performed from August 1, 2015, to March 13, 2017. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Plasma samples were assayed for P-tau (using an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphothreonine-231) and T-tau using ultra-high sensitivity laser-based immunoassay multi-arrayed fiberoptics conjugated with rolling circle amplification. RESULTS In the 217 patients with TBI, 161 (74.2%) were men; mean (SD) age was 42.5 (18.1) years. The P-tau and T-tau levels and P-tau–T-tau ratio in patients with acute TBI were higher than those in healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the 3 tau indices demonstrated accuracy with area under the curve (AUC) of 1.000, 0.916, and 1.000, respectively, for discriminating mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score, 13–15, n = 162) from healthy controls. The P-tau level and P-tau–T-tau ratio were higher in individuals with more severe TBI (GCS, ≤12 vs 13–15). The P-tau level and P-tau–T-tau ratio outperformed the T-tau level in distinguishing cranial computed tomography–positive from −negative cases (AUC = 0.921, 0.923, and 0.646, respectively). Acute P-tau levels and P-tau–T-tau ratio weakly distinguished patients with TBI who had good outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended GOS-E, 7–8) (AUC = 0.663 and 0.658, respectively) and identified those with poor outcomes (GOS-E, ≤4 vs >4) (AUC = 0.771 and 0.777, respectively). Plasma samples from patients with chronic TBI also showed elevated P-tau levels and a P-tau–T-tau ratio significantly higher than that of healthy controls, with both P-tau indices strongly discriminating patients with chronic TBI from healthy controls (AUC = 1.000 and 0.963, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Plasma P-tau levels and P-tau–T-tau ratio outperformed T-tau level as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for acute TBI. Compared with T-tau levels alone, P-tau levels and P-tau–T-tau ratios show more robust and sustained elevations among patients with chronic TBI. PMID:28738126

Comparing Plasma Phospho Tau, Total Tau, and Phospho Tau-Total Tau Ratio as Acute and Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Biomarkers.

PubMed

Rubenstein, Richard; Chang, Binggong; Yue, John K; Chiu, Allen; Winkler, Ethan A; Puccio, Ava M; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon; Yuh, Esther L; Mukherjee, Pratik; Valadka, Alex B; Gordon, Wayne A; Okonkwo, David O; Davies, Peter; Agarwal, Sanjeev; Lin, Fan; Sarkis, George; Yadikar, Hamad; Yang, Zhihui; Manley, Geoffrey T; Wang, Kevin K W; Cooper, Shelly R; Dams-O'Connor, Kristen; Borrasso, Allison J; Inoue, Tomoo; Maas, Andrew I R; Menon, David K; Schnyer, David M; Vassar, Mary J

2017-09-01

Annually in the United States, at least 3.5 million people seek medical attention for traumatic brain injury (TBI). The development of therapies for TBI is limited by the absence of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Microtubule-associated protein tau is an axonal phosphoprotein. To date, the presence of the hypophosphorylated tau protein (P-tau) in plasma from patients with acute TBI and chronic TBI has not been investigated. To examine the associations between plasma P-tau and total-tau (T-tau) levels and injury presence, severity, type of pathoanatomic lesion (neuroimaging), and patient outcomes in acute and chronic TBI. In the TRACK-TBI Pilot study, plasma was collected at a single time point from 196 patients with acute TBI admitted to 3 level I trauma centers (<24 hours after injury) and 21 patients with TBI admitted to inpatient rehabilitation units (mean [SD], 176.4 [44.5] days after injury). Control samples were purchased from a commercial vendor. The TRACK-TBI Pilot study was conducted from April 1, 2010, to June 30, 2012. Data analysis for the current investigation was performed from August 1, 2015, to March 13, 2017. Plasma samples were assayed for P-tau (using an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphothreonine-231) and T-tau using ultra-high sensitivity laser-based immunoassay multi-arrayed fiberoptics conjugated with rolling circle amplification. In the 217 patients with TBI, 161 (74.2%) were men; mean (SD) age was 42.5 (18.1) years. The P-tau and T-tau levels and P-tau-T-tau ratio in patients with acute TBI were higher than those in healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the 3 tau indices demonstrated accuracy with area under the curve (AUC) of 1.000, 0.916, and 1.000, respectively, for discriminating mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score, 13-15, n = 162) from healthy controls. The P-tau level and P-tau-T-tau ratio were higher in individuals with more severe TBI (GCS, ≤12 vs 13-15). The P-tau level and P-tau-T-tau ratio outperformed the T-tau level in distinguishing cranial computed tomography-positive from -negative cases (AUC = 0.921, 0.923, and 0.646, respectively). Acute P-tau levels and P-tau-T-tau ratio weakly distinguished patients with TBI who had good outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended GOS-E, 7-8) (AUC = 0.663 and 0.658, respectively) and identified those with poor outcomes (GOS-E, ≤4 vs >4) (AUC = 0.771 and 0.777, respectively). Plasma samples from patients with chronic TBI also showed elevated P-tau levels and a P-tau-T-tau ratio significantly higher than that of healthy controls, with both P-tau indices strongly discriminating patients with chronic TBI from healthy controls (AUC = 1.000 and 0.963, respectively). Plasma P-tau levels and P-tau-T-tau ratio outperformed T-tau level as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for acute TBI. Compared with T-tau levels alone, P-tau levels and P-tau-T-tau ratios show more robust and sustained elevations among patients with chronic TBI.

The Phantom of Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: Time to Reconsider with Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment.

PubMed

Al-Hwiesh, Abdullah K; Abdul-Rahman, Ibrahiem Saeed; Noor, Abdul-Salam; Nasr-El-Deen, Mohammed A; Abdelrahman, Abdalla; El-Salamoni, Tamer S; Al-Muhanna, Fahd A; Al-Otaibi, Khalid; Al-Audah, Nehad

♦ OBJECTIVE: Metformin continues to be the safest and most widely used antidiabetic drug. In spite of its well-known benefits; metformin use in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is still restricted. Little has been reported about the effect of peritoneal dialysis (PD) on metformin clearance and the phantom of lactic acidosis deprives ESRD patients from metformin therapeutic advantages. Peritoneal dialysis is probably a safeguard against lactic acidosis, and it is likely that using this drug would be feasible in this group of patients. ♦ MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 83 PD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. All patients were on automated PD (APD). Metformin was administered in a dose of 500 - 1,000 mg daily. Patients were monitored for glycemic control. Plasma lactic acid and plasma metformin levels were monitored on a scheduled basis. Peritoneal fluid metformin levels were measured. In addition, the relation between plasma metformin and plasma lactate was studied. ♦ RESULTS: Mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) was 10.9 ± 0.5 and 7.8 ± 0.7, and mean hemoglobin A1-C (HgA1C) was 8.2 ± 0.8 and 6.4 ± 1.1 at the beginning and end of the study, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.1 ± 4.1 and 27.3 ± 4.5 at the beginning and at the end of the study, respectively (p < 0.001). The overall mean plasma lactate level across all blood samples was 1.44 ± 0.6. Plasma levels between 2 and 3 mmol/L were found in 11.8% and levels of 3 - 3.6 mmol/L in 2.4% plasma samples. Hyperlactemia (level > 2 and ≤ 5 mmol/L) was not associated with overt acidemia. None of our patients had lactic acidosis (levels > 5 mmol/L). Age ≥ 60 was a predictor for hyperlactemia. No relationship was found between plasma metformin and lactate levels. ♦ CONCLUSION: Metformin may be used with caution in a particular group of ESRD patients who are on APD. Metformin allows better diabetic control with significant reduction of BMI. Information on the relationship between metformin and plasma lactate levels is lacking. Peritoneal dialysis appears to be a safeguard against the development of lactic acidosis in this group of patients. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

Trace Element Levels in Congenital Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism.

PubMed

Aydogdu, A; Haymana, C; Soykut, B; Erdem, O; Basaran, Y; Baskoy, K; Dinc, M; Taslipinar, A; Sonmez, A; Bolu, E; Azal, O

2016-05-01

Cardiometabolic diseases are prevalent in hypogonadism. The pathophysiologic mechanism of increased cardiometabolic risk in hypogonadal patients is not clear. Recently, trace elements have been linked to the development of chronic disease especially cardiovascular disease. We investigated the trace element levels in an unconfounded population of congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH) and also searched for the relationship with metabolic risk factors. A total of 89 patients with CHH (mean age 21.8 ± 2.0 years) and 80 healthy control subjects (mean age 21.3 ± 1.1 years) were enrolled. The demographic parameters, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and plasma zinc, copper, and selenium levels, were measured in patients and healthy controls. The patients had higher waist circumferences (p = 0.014), triglyceride (p = 0.04), insulin (p = 0.004), HOMA-IR levels (p = 0.001), and lower selenium (p = 0.049), zinc (p = 0.004), and copper (p = 0.012) levels when compared to the healthy controls. There was a significant relationship between zinc levels and HOMA-IR levels (p = 0.015). In the regression analysis, zinc levels were independently associated with the calculated HOMA-IR levels (p = 0.015). The results of the present study show that plasma selenium, zinc, and copper levels are decreased in patients with CHH. Also, plasma zinc levels are independently associated with insulin resistance in patients with hypogonadism. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to investigate the effect of trace elements on the increased cardiometabolic risk in hypogonadism.

Evaluation of oxidative status in patients with brucellosis.

PubMed

Serefhanoglu, Kivanc; Taskin, Abdullah; Turan, Hale; Timurkaynak, Funda Ergin; Arslan, Hande; Erel, Ozcan

2009-08-01

Oxidative stress can be defined as an increase in oxidants and/or a decrease in antioxidant capacity. We aimed to determine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total peroxide, malondialdehyde and catalase levels in plasma samples, and calculation of oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with brucellosis to evaluate their oxidative status using a novel automated method. Sixty-nine patients with brucellosis and 69 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Plasma levels of total peroxide and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In contrast, TAC level was significantly lower in patients as compared with controls (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the catalase results of the two groups (p>0.05). OSI level was significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). In conclusion, oxidants were increased and antioxidants were decreased in patients with brucellosis. Oxidative stress was increased in patients with brucellosis.

Cerebrospinal fluid HIV escape associated with progressive neurologic dysfunction in patients on antiretroviral therapy with well controlled plasma viral load.

PubMed

Peluso, Michael J; Ferretti, Francesca; Peterson, Julia; Lee, Evelyn; Fuchs, Dietmar; Boschini, Antonio; Gisslén, Magnus; Angoff, Nancy; Price, Richard W; Cinque, Paola; Spudich, Serena

2012-09-10

To characterize HIV-infected patients with neurosymptomatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 'escape', defined as detectable CSF HIV RNA in the setting of treatment-suppressed plasma levels or CSF RNA more than 1-log higher than plasma RNA. Retrospective case series. Four urban medical centers in the United States and Europe. Virologically controlled HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with progressive neurologic abnormalities who were determined to have CSF 'escape'. INTERVENTION Optimization of ART based upon drug susceptibility and presumed central nervous system exposure. Levels of CSF HIV RNA and inflammatory markers, clinical signs and symptoms, and MRI findings. Ten patients presented with new neurologic abnormalities, which included sensory, motor, and cognitive manifestations. Median CSF HIV RNA was 3900 copies/ml (range 134-9056), whereas median plasma HIV RNA was 62 copies/ml (range <50 to 380). Median CD4 T-cell count was 482 cells/μl (range 290-660). All patients had been controlled to less than 500 copies/ml for median 27.5 months (range 2-96) and five of 10 had been suppressed to less than 50 copies/ml for median 19.5 months (range 2-96). Patients had documentation of a stable ART regimen for median 21 months (range 9-60). All had CSF pleocytosis or elevated CSF protein; seven of eight had abnormalities on MRI; and six of seven harbored CSF resistance mutations. Following optimization of ART, eight of nine patients improved clinically. The development of neurologic symptoms in patients on ART with low or undetectable plasma HIV levels may be an indication of CSF 'escape'. This study adds to a growing body of literature regarding this rare condition in well controlled HIV infection.

Cerebrospinal Fluid HIV Escape Associated with Progressive Neurologic Dysfunction in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy with Well-Controlled Plasma Viral Load

PubMed Central

Peluso, Michael J.; Ferretti, Francesca; Peterson, Julia; Lee, Evelyn; Fuchs, Dietmar; Boschini, Antonio; Gisslén, Magnus; Angoff, Nancy; Price, Richard W.; Cinque, Paola; Spudich, Serena

2013-01-01

Objective To characterize HIV-infected patients with neuro-symptomatic CSF ‘escape,’ defined as detectable CSF HIV RNA in the setting of treatment-suppressed plasma levels or CSF RNA >1 log higher than plasma RNA. Design Retrospective case series. Setting 4 urban medical centers in the United States and Europe. Subjects Virologically controlled HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with progressive neurologic abnormalities who were determined to have CSF ‘escape.’ Intervention Optimization of ART based upon drug susceptibility and presumed CNS exposure. Main outcome measures Levels of CSF HIV RNA and inflammatory markers, clinical signs and symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging findings. Results 10 patients presented with new neurological abnormalities, which included sensory, motor, and cognitive manifestations. Median CSF HIV RNA was 3900 copies/mL (range 134-9056), while median plasma HIV RNA was 62 copies/mL (range <50-380). Median CD4+ T cell count was 482 cells/mm3 (range, 290-660). All patients had been controlled <500 copies/mL for median 27.5 months (range, 2-96) and 5/10 had been suppressed <50 copies/mL for median 19.5 months (range, 2-96). Patients had documentation of a stable ART regimen for median 21 months (range 9-60). All had CSF pleocytosis or elevated CSF protein; 7/8 had abnormalities on MRI; and 6/7 harbored CSF resistance mutations. Following optimization of ART, 8/9 patients improved clinically. Conclusions The development of neurologic symptoms in patients on ART with low or undetectable plasma HIV levels may be an indication of CSF ‘escape.’ This study adds to a growing body of literature regarding this rare condition in well-controlled HIV infection. PMID:22614889

Proteins oxidation and autoantibodies' reactivity against hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde -oxidized thyroid antigens in patients' plasmas with Graves' disease and Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

PubMed

Mseddi, Malek; Ben Mansour, Riadh; Gargouri, Bochra; Mnif, Fatma; El Ghawi, Samir; Hammami, Boutheina; Ghorbel, Abdelmonem; Abid, Mohamed; Lassoued, Saloua

2017-06-25

The aim of this study was to evaluate proteins oxidation in plasmas of two autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD): Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT), and to determine whether oxidative modification of thyroid antigens (T.Ag) enhanced the reactivity of autoantibodies in plasmas of AITD patients compared with the reactivity towards native T.Ag. Carbonyl and thiol groups and MDA-protein adducts were assessed spectrophotometric methods in plasmas of 74 AITD patients and 65 healthy controls. The reactivities immunoglobulin (Ig)G autoantibodies towards malondialdéhyde (MDA)-modified T.Ag, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-modified T.Ag, native T.Ag and native derm were checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Evaluation of oxidized proteins exhibited high levels of MDA bound to proteins and carbonyl groups, as well as reduced thiol level in plasmas of AITD patients by comparison to healthy controls (p < 0.05). The ELISA test showed that AITD patients' plasmas' reactivity to native T.Ag was significantly increased to the reactivity towards native derm, whereas, no differences were found in the reactivity to native T.Ag and derm in controls plasmas. In addition, treatment of T.Ag by oxidants revealed enhanced reactivity of IgG circulating autoantibodies against H 2 O 2 -oxidized T.Ag compared to native ones (p < 0.001) in plasmas of both AITD. Also, reactivity's to MDA-oxidized T.Ag in GD plasmas decreased compared to native ones (p < 0.05) and no changes were noted for HT. Pearson correlation study resulted in positive correlation between reactivity's to H 2 O 2 -oxidized T.Ag and free triodotyronine level in GD patients (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) in one hand and thyroid stimulating hormone level in HT patients in the other (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). The data suggest that high production of H 2 O 2 probably occurred during hormone synthesis could contribute to protein oxidation in AITD and to create neoepitopes responsible for autoantibody reactivity's to H 2 O 2 -oxidized T.Ag enhancement. These results provide support to the involvement of oxidative stress in AITD development and/or exacerbation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma long non-coding RNA BACE1 as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Feng, Liang; Liao, Yu-Ting; He, Jin-Cai; Xie, Cheng-Long; Chen, Si-Yan; Fan, Hui-Hui; Su, Zhi-Peng; Wang, Zhen

2018-01-09

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, but whether it can serve as a biomarker for Alzheimer disease (AD) is not yet known. The present study selected four specific LncRNA (17A, 51A, BACE1 and BC200) as possible AD biomarker. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the LncRNA. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were applied to study the potential of LncRNA as a biomarker in a population of 88 AD patients and 72 control individuals. We found that the plasma LncRNA BACE1 level of AD patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (p = 0.006). Plasma level of LncRNA 17A, 51A and BC200 did not show a significant difference between two groups (p = 0.098, p = 0.204 and p = 0.232, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed that LncRNA BACE1 was the best candidate of these LncRNA (95% CI: 0.553-0.781, p = 0.003). In addition, no correlation was found for expression of these LncRNA in both control and AD groups with age or MMSE scale (p > 0.05). Our present study compared the plasma level of four LncRNA between AD and non-AD patients, and found that the level of the BACE1 is increased in the plasma of AD patients and have a high specificity (88%) for AD, indicating BACE1 may be a potential candidate biomarker to predict AD.

Plasma tea polyphenol levels and subsequent risk of breast cancer among Japanese women: a nested case-control study.

PubMed

Iwasaki, Motoki; Inoue, Manami; Sasazuki, Shizuka; Miura, Tsutomu; Sawada, Norie; Yamaji, Taiki; Shimazu, Taichi; Willett, Walter C; Tsugane, Shoichiro

2010-12-01

Although many in vitro and animal studies have suggested a protective effect of green tea against breast cancer, findings from epidemiological studies have been inconsistent. No study has used prediagnostic biomarkers of tea polyphenols, which might play a protective role. A total of 24,226 women aged 40 to 69 years in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study who responded to the baseline questionnaire and provided blood in 1990-1995 were followed to December 2002. During a mean 10.6 years of follow-up, 144 newly diagnosed breast cancers were identified. Two matched controls for each case were selected from the cohort. Plasma levels of (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) were measured, and the odds ratio (OR) of breast cancer according to plasma level was estimated using a conditional logistic regression model. We found no statistically significant association between plasma tea polyphenol levels and breast cancer risk. Adjusted ORs for the highest versus lowest group were 0.90 (95% CI 0.42-1.96; P for trend = 0.98) for EGC, 0.95 (95% CI 0.43-2.08; P for trend = 0.86) for EC, 1.21 (95% CI 0.52-2.80; P for trend = 0.53) for EGCG, and 1.75 (95% CI 0.81-3.78; P for trend = 0.15) for ECG. Stratified analyses according to baseline menopausal status showed no remarkable difference between two strata. This nested case-control study found no overall association between plasma tea polyphenols and the risk of breast cancer in Japan.

Effect of Khat (Catha edulis) Use on the Bioavailability, Plasma Levels and Antimalarial Activity of Chloroquine.

PubMed

Issa, Faiza H; Al-Habori, Molhem; Chance, Michael L

2016-05-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of khat (Catha edulis) on chloroquine (CQ) bioavailability in healthy Yemeni adults and its effect on CQ plasma levels and parasite clearance among malaria patients. This study took place between January and April 2007 in Bajil and Sana'a, Yemen. Two CQ doses (600 mg each) were given to 15 healthy males on separate occasions; the first dose was followed by a khat-chewing session (phase one) while controls abstained from khat-chewing for the second (phase two). Additionally, 103 patients with Plasmodium falciparum-induced malaria, including both regular khat chewers (n = 57) and non-khat chewers (n = 46), were treated with CQ (25 mg/kg) over three days. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analysed among both controls and malaria patients. Parasite clearance was also investigated for the latter group. The mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was 2,108.9 versus 2,797.4 ng/hour/mL, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 415.6 versus 508.7 ng/mL and mean time to reach Cmax was 3.8 versus 3.6 hours for controls in phase one versus phase two, respectively; both AUC and Cmax levels were significantly reduced by khat-chewing (P <0.050). For khat- versus non-khat-chewing malaria patients, mean plasma CQ concentrations were 266.4 ng/mL versus 427.5 ng/mL (P <0.001). Furthermore, CQ was effective in 71.7% and 75.4% of non-khat and khat-chewing malaria patients, respectively (P = 0.823). Khat-chewing was found to significantly reduce plasma CQ levels among healthy volunteers and malaria patients. While receiving CQ treatment, patients should be advised not to chew khat.

Spider angiomas in patients with liver cirrhosis: Role of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor

PubMed Central

Li, Chung-Pin; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Hwang, Shinn-Jang; Lu, Rei-Hwa; Lee, Wei-Ping; Chao, Yee; Wang, Sung-Sang; Chang, Full-Young; Whang-Peng, Jacqueline; Lee, Shou-Dong

2003-01-01

AIM: To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) are associated with spider angiomas in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled and the number and size of the spider angiomas were recorded. Fifty-three healthy subjects were selected as controls. Plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF were measured in both the cirrhotics and the controls. RESULTS: Plasma VEGF and bFGF were increased in cirrhotics compared with controls (122 ± 13 vs. 71 ± 11 pg/mL, P = 0.003 for VEGF; 5.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 pg/mL, P = 0.022 for bFGF). In cirrhotics, plasma VEGF and bFGF were also higher in patients with spider angiomas compared with patients without spider angiomas (185 ± 28 vs. 90 ± 10 pg/mL, P = 0.003 for VEGF; 6.8 ± 1.0 vs. 4.1 ± 0.5 pg/mL, P = 0.017 for bFGF). Multivariate logistic regression showed that young age and increased plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF were the most significant predictors for the presence of spider angiomas in cirrhotic patients (odds ratio [OR] = 6.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.02-21.79, P = 0.002; OR = 4.35, 95%CI = 1.35-14.01, P = 0.014; OR = 5.66, 95%CI = 1.72-18.63, P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Plasma VEGF and bFGF are elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis. Age as well as plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF are significant predictors for spider angiomas in cirrhotic patients. PMID:14669345

Effects of Antiproteinuric Intervention on Elevated Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN-2) Plasma and Urine Levels in Nondiabetic Nephropathy

PubMed Central

Slagman, Maartje C.J.; Nguyen, Tri Q.; Waanders, Femke; Vogt, Liffert; Hemmelder, Marc H.; Goldschmeding, Roel; Navis, Gerjan

2011-01-01

Summary Background and objectives Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN-2) is a key player in fibrosis. Plasma CTGF levels predict end-stage renal disease and mortality in diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD), supporting roles in intra- and extrarenal fibrosis. Few data are available on CTGF in nondiabetic CKD. We investigated CTGF levels and effects of antiproteinuric interventions in nondiabetic proteinuric CKD. Design, setting, participants, & measurements In a crossover randomized controlled trial, 33 nondiabetic CKD patients (3.2 [2.5 to 4.0] g/24 h proteinuria) were treated during 6-week periods with placebo, ARB (100 mg/d losartan), and ARB plus diuretics (100 mg/d losartan plus 25 mg/d hydrochlorothiazide) combined with consecutively regular and low sodium diets (193 ± 62 versus 93 ± 52 mmol Na+/d). Results CTGF was elevated in plasma (464 [387 to 556] pmol/L) and urine (205 [135 to 311] pmol/24 h) of patients compared with healthy controls (n = 21; 96 [86 to 108] pmol/L and 73 [55 to 98] pmol/24 h). Urinary CTGF was lowered by antiproteinuric intervention, in proportion to the reduction of proteinuria, with normalization during triple therapy (CTGF 99 [67 to 146] in CKD versus 73 [55 to 98] pmol/24 h in controls). In contrast, plasma CTGF was not affected. Conclusions Urinary and plasma CTGF are elevated in nondiabetic CKD. Only urinary CTGF is normalized by antiproteinuric intervention, consistent with amelioration of tubular dysfunction. The lack of effect on plasma CTGF suggests that its driving force might be independent of proteinuria and that short-term antiproteinuric interventions are not sufficient to correct the systemic profibrotic state in CKD. PMID:21784839

CLD (chronic liver diseases)-HbA1C as a suitable indicator for estimation of mean plasma glucose in patients with chronic liver diseases.

PubMed

Koga, Masafumi; Kasayama, Soji; Kanehara, Hideo; Bando, Yukihiro

2008-08-01

In patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD), turnover of erythrocytes is increased whereas that of serum albumin is decreased. Thus, glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1C)) and glycated albumin (GA) cannot be used as adequate indicators for chronic plasma glucose control in diabetic patients with CLD. In this investigation, we have proposed CLD-HbA(1C), a novel long-term glycemic control marker by using measured HbA(1C) and GA. We studied 82 patients with CLD in whom glycemic control was regarded as to be stable. Daily plasma glucose profiles were monitored and estimated levels of HbA(1C) were calculated on the conversion formula established by Rohlfing et al. [C.L. Rohlfing, J.D. England, H.M. Wiedmeyer, A. Tennill, R.R. Little, D.E. Goldstein, Defining the relationship between plasma glucose and HbA1c, Diabetes Care 25 (2002) 275-278]. Cholinesterase (ChE) as an indicator for hepatic function was determined at the same time when HbA(1C) and GA levels were measured. CLD-HbA(1C) was defined as the average of measured HbA(1C) and GA/3, based upon the results that among healthy individuals, GA levels were roughly estimated at approximately threefold higher than HbA(1C) levels. While measured HbA(1C) levels in patients with CLD were generally lower than estimated HbA(1C) levels, GA/3 values were generally higher than estimated HbA(1C) levels. Such discrepancies lineally increased in accordance with a decrease in ChE levels. On the other hand, CLD-HbA(1C) levels were highly correlated with estimated HbA(1C) levels (R=0.883), while no significant correlation between CLD-HbA(1C) and ChE was noted. In conclusion, CLD-HbA(1C) has been found a superior chronic glycemic control marker than HbA(1C) or GA in diabetic patients with chronic liver diseases.

Effects of aging and dietary antler supplementation on the calcium-regulating hormones and bone status in ovariectomized SAMP8 mice.

PubMed

Chen, Chun-Chi; Liu, Mei-Hui; Wang, Ming-Fu; Chen, Cheng-Chin

2007-12-31

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aging and long-term dietary antler supplementation on the calcium-regulating hormones and bone status in ovariectomized (Ovx) SAMP8 mice. The female SAMP8 mice were divided into four groups (in each group n = 6), Ovx or sham operated at the age of 2 months, and fed with 0.2% antler containing diet or control diet from the age of 2.5 months. The samples were collected at the age of 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months, respectively, for physicochemical analyses, biochemical analyses, and the determination of hormones by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that plasma calcium (Ca) concentrations were maintained in a narrow range in all groups throughout the whole experimental period. With aging and/or ovariectomy, plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2-D3) levels increased, and plasma phosphorus (P) and calcitonin (CT) levels decreased, and the femoral bone densities and Ca contents increased during the earlier stage, and then decreased gradually in all groups. Plasma PTH and 1,25-(OH)2-D3 levels in the Ovx mice were significantly higher than those in the intact mice, and plasma P concentrations, plasma CT levels, femoral bone densities, and femoral Ca contents in the Ovx mice were significantly lower than those in the intact mice. In addition, the decreases of plasma P levels, plasma CT levels, femoral bone densities, and femoral Ca contents, and the increases of plasma PTH levels were moderated by antler administration in both Ovx and intact mice. However, there was no effect of the dietary antler supplementation on the plasma 1,25-(OH)2-D3 levels in the female mice. It is concluded that prolonged dietary antler supplementation has important positive effects on bone loss with age and/ or ovarian function deficiency.

Early developmental and temporal characteristics of stress-induced secretion of pituitary-adrenal hormones in prenatally stressed rat pups.

PubMed

Takahashi, L K; Kalin, N H

1991-08-30

Previous experiments revealed that 14-day-old prenatally stressed rats have significantly elevated concentrations of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone suggesting these animals have an overactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system. In these studies, however, stress-induced hormone levels were determined only immediately after exposure to an acute stressor. Therefore, in the current study, we examined in postnatal days 7, 14 and 21 prenatally stressed rats the stress-induced time course of this pituitary-adrenal hormone elevation. Plasma ACTH and corticosterone were measured in the basal state and at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 h after a 10-min exposure period to foot shocks administered in the context of social isolation. Results indicated that at all 3 ages, plasma ACTH in prenatally stressed rats was significantly elevated. Corticosterone concentrations were also significantly higher in prenatally stressed than in control rats, especially in day 14 rats. Analysis of stress-induced hormone fluctuations over time indicated that by 14 days of age, both prenatally stressed than in control and control rats had significant increases in plasma ACTH and corticosterone after exposure to stress. Furthermore, although prenatally stressed rats had significantly higher pituitary-adrenal hormone concentrations than control animals, the post-stress temporal patterns of decline in ACTH and corticosterone levels were similar between groups. Results suggest that throughout the preweaning period, prenatal stress produces an HPA system that functions in a manner similar to that of controls but at an increased level.

Glucose in vaginal secretions before and after oral glucose tolerance testing in women with and without recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.

PubMed

Ehrström, Sophia; Yu, Anna; Rylander, Eva

2006-12-01

To measure the change of glucose in vaginal secretions during glucose tolerance testing in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and in healthy control subjects. Thirty-eight women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and 45 healthy, age-matched controls completed a health questionnaire regarding general and gynecologic health and food and alcohol habits. They all underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and a vaginal examination. Vaginal secretion was collected from the proximal part of the vagina. Glucose in plasma and in vaginal secretions were measured at fasting and after 2 hours and analyzed with the hexokinase method. A sample size analysis showed that the number of subjects included in the study was sufficient for a beta value of 0.80, at the significance level of alpha=.05, at a difference in glucose in vaginal secretions of 30% after oral glucose tolerance test. In healthy women, the median level of glucose in vaginal secretions was 5.2 mM before and 3.7 mM after oral glucose tolerance test, and plasma glucose was 5.0 mM before and 5.8 mM after oral glucose tolerance test. No significant difference was seen regarding change of glucose level in vaginal secretions and plasma glucose after testing, compared with before oral glucose tolerance testing. There were no differences between women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and control subjects regarding change in glucose level in vaginal secretions or in plasma during oral glucose tolerance test. II-2.

A casein diet added isoflavone-enriched soy protein favorably affects biomarkers of steatohepatitis in obese Zucker rats.

PubMed

Gudbrandsen, Oddrun Anita; Wergedahl, Hege; Berge, Rolf Kristian

2009-05-01

Dietary supplementation of a soy protein enriched with isoflavones (HDI) has been shown to improve fatty liver in obese rats. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether HDI would influence the inflammatory status in livers of obese rats with fatty liver. Male obese Zucker fa/fa rats were fed casein (controls) or casein supplemented with HDI (containing 4.00 g of genistein and 4.50 g of daidzein per kilogram of diet) for 6 wk. The HDI-fed rats had a markedly lower hepatic concentration of triacylglycerol when compared with controls. The decreased aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio in plasma, together with lower circulating levels of alkaline phosphatase and bile acids after HDI feeding, implied an improved hepatitis. This was supported by decreased plasma and hepatic mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, lower plasma levels of interleukin-1beta and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and an increased anti-inflammatory fatty acid index in plasma. HDI also seemed to protect the rats from oxidative damage, because the level of lipid peroxides in triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins after in vitro copper oxidation was lower for HDI-fed rats when compared with controls. These results show that isoflavone-enriched soy protein favorably affects biomarkers of hepatic inflammation in obese Zucker fa/fa rats with fatty liver. Thus, dietary soy proteins enriched in isoflavones may be a promising agent to improve steatohepatitis in patients.

Effect of 50 Hz electric field in diacylglycerol acyltransferase mRNA expression level and plasma concentration of triacylglycerol, free fatty acid, phospholipid and total cholesterol

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The effects of exposure to a 50 Hz electric field (EF) on plasma level of triacylglycerol, free fatty acids, total cholesterol and phospholipid and mRNA expression level of diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) 1 and 2 in liver and intestines from C57BL/6 J mice were studied. Methods The test was based on comparison between mice post treated with 50 Hz EF of 45 kV/m intensity for 30 min per day for 11 days or without EF. DGATs mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results There was no difference in the gene expression level of DGAT1 in liver and intestines. The DGAT2 gene expression level in liver derived from mice treated with EF was significantly lower than those in the control (P < 0.001). Both plasma total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and phospholipid (P < 0.05) in the group exposed to EF were lower than those in the control, but there was no difference in triacylglycerol or free fatty acid levels. Conclusion Exposure to 50 Hz EF decrease the plasma levels of total cholesterol and phospholipids, and downregulated DGAT2 mRNA expression in liver. The mechanisms for the effects of EF on lipid metabolism are not well understand yet, but altered DGAT2 activity may be involved. PMID:22676350

Plasma ghrelin levels and polymorphisms of ghrelin gene in Chinese obese children and adolescents.

PubMed

Zhu, J F; Liang, L; Zou, C C; Fu, J F

2010-09-01

To evaluate the role of fasting plasma ghrelin levels [ln(ghrelin)] and polymorphisms of ghrelin gene in Chinese obese children. Genotyping for ghrelin polymorphism was performed in 230 obese and 100 normal weight children. Among them, plasma ghrelin levels were measured in 91 obese and 23 health subjects. (1) Bivariate correlation analysis showed the ln(ghrelin) was inversely correlated with abnormality of glucose metabolism (r = -0.240, P = 0.023). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that abnormality of glucose metabolism was an independent determinant of plasma ghrelin levels (P = 0.023). (2) There was no difference in frequency of Leu72Met polymorphisms between obese and control groups (36.09 vs. 41.00%). Ghrelin is associated with obesity in childhood, especially associated with the glucose homeostasis. Lower ghrelin levels might be a result of obesity, but not a cause of obesity. The Leu72Met polymorphism of ghrelin gene is not associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome in Chinese children.

Plasma Protein Pentosidine and Carboxymethyllysine, Biomarkers for Age-related Macular Degeneration*

PubMed Central

Ni, Jiaqian; Yuan, Xianglin; Gu, Jiayin; Yue, Xiuzhen; Gu, Xiaorong; Nagaraj, Ram H.; Crabb, John W.

2009-01-01

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes severe vision loss in the elderly; early identification of AMD risk could help slow or prevent disease progression. Toward the discovery of AMD biomarkers, we quantified plasma protein Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and pentosidine from 58 AMD and 32 control donors. CML and pentosidine are advanced glycation end products that are abundant in Bruch membrane, the extracellular matrix separating the retinal pigment epithelium from the blood-bearing choriocapillaris. We measured CML and pentosidine by LC-MS/MS and LC-fluorometry, respectively, and found higher mean levels of CML (∼54%) and pentosidine (∼64%) in AMD (p < 0.0001) relative to normal controls. Plasma protein fructosyl-lysine, a marker of early glycation, was found by amino acid analysis to be in equal amounts in control and non-diabetic AMD donors, supporting an association between AMD and increased levels of CML and pentosidine independent of other diseases like diabetes. Carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP), an oxidative modification from docosahexaenoate-containing lipids and also abundant in AMD Bruch membrane, was elevated ∼86% in the AMD cohort, but autoantibody titers to CEP, CML, and pentosidine were not significantly increased. Compellingly higher mean levels of CML and pentosidine were present in AMD plasma protein over a broad age range. Receiver operating curves indicate that CML, CEP adducts, and pentosidine alone discriminated between AMD and control subjects with 78, 79, and 88% accuracy, respectively, whereas CML in combination with pentosidine provided ∼89% accuracy, and CEP plus pentosidine provided ∼92% accuracy. Pentosidine levels appeared slightly altered in AMD patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease, indicating further studies are warranted. Overall this study supports the potential utility of plasma protein CML and pentosidine as biomarkers for assessing AMD risk and susceptibility, particularly in combination with CEP adducts and with concurrent analyses of fructosyl-lysine to detect confounding factors. PMID:19435712

Platelet hyperactivity, neurobehavioral symptoms and depression among Indian women chronically exposed to low level of arsenic.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Bidisha; Bindhani, Banani; Saha, Hirak; Sinha, Dona; Ray, Manas Ranjan

2014-12-01

The prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms (NBS) and depression has been investigated in premenopausal rural women of West Bengal, India enrolled from arsenic (As) endemic (groundwater As 11-50 μg/L; n = 342) and control areas (As level ≤ 10 μg/L; n = 312). The subjective symptoms questionnaire and Beck's 21-point depression inventory-II were used for the detection of NBS and depression, respectively. Platelet P-selectin expression was measured by flow cytometry, plasma neurotransmitter activity with high performance liquid chromatography and groundwater As level by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The As level in groundwater was 2.72 ± 1.18 μg/L in control and 28.3 ± 13.51 μg/L in endemic areas (p < 0.0001). Women residing in endemic areas demonstrated a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (39.8 vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001) and anxiety (43.3 vs. 18.0% in control, p < 0.001), fatigue (68.4 vs. 23.4%, p < 0.0001), reduced sense of taste (15.8 vs. 4.5%, p<0.0001) and smell (14.9 vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001); burning sensation (36.8 vs. 5.4%, p < 0.0001) and tingling or numbness in the extremities (25.1 vs. 5.1%, p < 0.0001); and transient loss of memory (69.9 vs. 28.2%, p < 0.001). As-exposed women had 1.6-times more plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine (p < 0.05), 1.8-times higher level plasma serotonin with 28.9% lower intraplatelet serotonin (p < 0.05 for both), but their plasma dopamine level was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that of controls. Moreover, women from endemic areas had 2.3-times more P-selectin-expressing platelets in their circulation (p < 0.001). After controlling the potential confounders, chronic low level As (11-50 μg/L) exposure showed a positive association with the prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms and depression among Indian women in their child-bearing age. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Counter-intuitive plasma vitamin D and zinc status in HIV-1-infected adults with persistent low-level viraemia after treatment initiation: a pilot case-control study.

PubMed

Melliez, H; Duhamel, A; Robineau, O; Bocket, L; Kim, I; Sauser, E; Loiseleur, F; Viget, N; Pasquet, A; Senneville, E; Seguy, D

2017-11-01

Determinants of persistent low-level viraemia [PLLV, a viral load (VL) of between 50 and 500 copies/mL] have not been elucidated. In a case-control study, we evaluated the influence of micronutrients on PLLV in a population of 454 HIV-1 adults having initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2007 and December 2011. Plasma levels of retinol (vitamin A), 25-OH vitamin D 2  + D 3 , vitamin E and zinc were measured at ART initiation in cases (PLLV after 6 months of ART) and in controls (VL <50 copies/mL after 6 months). Cases and controls were matched for the CD4 cell count (±50/mm 3 ) and ethnic origin. Intergroup differences in demographic, biological and treatment parameters and sunshine intensity at ART initiation were adjusted using a propensity score. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess intergroup differences in plasma micronutrient levels. Thirty-three of the 454 patients (7.3%) displayed PLLV (median VL: 92 copies/mL). Patients were predominantly male (89%), Caucasian (64%) and CDC stage C (25%). The median age was 38 years, the median initial VL was 5.2 log 10 copies/mL and the median CD4 count was 74/mm 3 . The 22 cases and matched controls were balanced in these respects, and had similar vitamin A/E levels. Two cases (9%) and 9 controls (41%) had a vitamin D level <10.3 ng/mL (p = 0.0015), and 2 cases (9%) and 10 controls (48%) had a zinc level <74.6 μg/dL (p = 0.04). Our results support in vitro studies suggesting that vitamin D favours HIV-1 replication and that HIV-1 is zinc-dependent. Wide-scale, prospective studies are required.

Oxytocin increases extrapancreatic glucagon secretion and glucose production in pancreatectomized dogs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Altszuler, N.; Puma, F.; Winkler, B.

1986-05-01

Infusion of oxytocin into normal dogs increases plasma levels of insulin and glucagon and glucose production and uptake. To determine whether infused oxytocin also increases glucagon secretion from extrapancreatic sites, pancreatectomized dogs, off insulin of 18 hr, were infused with oxytocin and plasma glucagon, and glucose production and uptake were measured using the (6-/sup 3/H)glucose primer-infusion technique. The diabetic dogs, in the control period, had elevated plasma glucose and glucagon levels, an increased rate of glucose production, and a relative decrease in glucose uptake (decreased clearance). Infusion of oxytocin (500 ..mu..U/kg/min) caused a rise in plasma glucagon and glucose levels,more » increased glucose production, and further decreased glucose clearance. it is concluded that oxytocin can stimulate secretion of extrapancreatic glucagon, which contributes to the increased glucose production.« less

Effects of trapping and subsequent short-term confinement stress on plasma corticosterone in the brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on Guam.

PubMed

Mathies, T; Felix, T A; Lance, V A

2001-10-01

The effects of capture in a live trap and subsequent handling stress on plasma concentrations of corticosterone and other sex steroids were examined in wild male and female brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis), an introduced species on Guam that has been implicated in the extirpation or decline of many of that island's vertebrate species. Males and females that spent 1 night in a trap had plasma levels of corticosterone about four and two times higher, respectively, than those of the respective free-ranging controls. Mean plasma levels of corticosterone of snakes that had spent 3 nights in a trap were intermediate between, but not significantly different from, those of snakes that had spent 1 night in a trap and free-ranging snakes, suggesting that some acclimation to capture occurred during this period. Snakes that were taken from traps and held in collecting bags for 10 min and 2 h prior to blood sampling had levels of corticosterone about two and three times higher, respectively, than those of control snakes that were taken from traps and bled immediately. Concentrations of plasma corticosterone in free-ranging females were about two times higher than those of males but were well within the range of basal levels observed in other reptiles. Few snakes of potential reproductive size were reproductive (males: 1 of 35; females: 2 of 33), and plasma concentrations of testosterone and progesterone in nonreproductive males and females, respectively, were accordingly low. The possible relationship between corticosterone and these sex steroids, therefore, could not be adequately assessed, although there was a positive relationship between plasma progesterone and corticosterone in the nonreproductive females. Nonetheless, as a prerequisite for studies on the seasonal hormonal cycles of this species on Guam, our observations raise the possibility that the stress caused by trapping could affect the levels of other sex steroids and that, therefore, such studies should use free-ranging individuals. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Dynamic changes in plasma total and high molecular weight adiponectin levels in acute heart failure.

PubMed

Ohara, Takahiro; Hashimura, Kazuhiko; Asakura, Masanori; Ogai, Akiko; Amaki, Makoto; Hasegawa, Takuya; Kanzaki, Hideaki; Sonoda, Mina; Nishizawa, Hitoshi; Funahashi, Tohru; Kitakaze, Masafumi

2011-09-01

Elevated levels of total plasma adiponectin (APN) and high molecular weight (HMW)-APN have been observed in chronic heart failure (HF) and are associated with poor prognosis, however, the response of APN levels in acute HF is not known. The purpose of this study was to clarify the dynamic changes of the plasma total APN, HMW-APN levels, and the ratio of HMW-APN to total APN (HMWR) in acute HF. From February 2006 to January 2007, 20 patients with acute HF (non-ischemic and non-valvular origin, 17 men, aged 63±11 years) were enrolled, and blood was sampled before the onset of the treatment and at discharge. Ten patients admitted for the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmia (8 men, aged 45±13 years) were included as controls. The medians and interquartile ranges of the plasma total APN, HMW-APN levels, and HMWR at admission were 20.8 (14.5-38.9) μg/mL, 12.4 (7.7-23.3) μg/mL, and 0.60 (0.50-0.69), respectively. The total APN and HMW-APN values were significantly higher than the values of the control. The plasma total APN, HMW-APN, and HMWR values at discharge decreased to 19.4 (7.2-27.3)μg/mL, 10.5 (3.2-12.8) μg/mL, and 0.52 (0.46-0.57), respectively. An exploratory survival analysis showed that the higher HMWR values at admission and the larger decrease in HMWR were associated with a better prognosis after discharge. Plasma total APN and HMW-APN values are elevated at the admission for acute HF. Plasma total APN, HMW-APN, and HMWR values decrease following treatment. Higher HMWR at admission and its larger decrease may be the signs of favorable treatment responsiveness in acute HF. Copyright © 2011 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Properties of Plasma Membrane from Pea Root Seedlings under Altered Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klymchuk, D.; Baranenko, V.; Vorobyova, T. V.; Kurylenko, I.; Chyzhykova, O.; Dubovoy, V.

In this study, the properties of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plasma membrane were examined to determine how the membrane structure and functions are regulated in response to clinorotation (2 rev/min) conditions. Membrane preparations enriched by plasma membrane vesicles were obtained by aqueous two-phase partitioning from 6-day seedling roots. The specific characteristics of H^+-ATPase, lípid composition and peroxidation intensity as well as fluidity of lipid bilayer were analysed. ATP hydrolytic activity was inhibited by ortovanadate and was insensitive to aside and nitrate in sealed plasma membrane vesicles isolated from both clinorotated and control seedlings. Plasma membrane vesicles from clinorotated seedlings in comparison to controls were characterised by increase in the total lipid/protein ratio, ATP hydrolytic activity and intensifying of lipid peroxidation. Sitosterol and campesterol were the predominant free sterol species. Clinorotated seedlings contained a slightly higher level of unsaturated fatty acid than controls. Plasma membrane vesicles were labelled with pyrene and fluorescence originating from monomeric (I_M) molecules and excimeric (I_E) aggregates were measured. The calculated I_E/I_M values were higher in clinorotated seedlings compared with controls reflecting the reduction in membrane microviscosity. The involvement of the changes in plasma membrane lipid content and composition, fluidity and H^+-ATPase activity in response of pea seedlings to altered gravity is discussed.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens on semen profile and biochemical parameters in seminal plasma of infertile men.

PubMed

Ahmad, Mohammad Kaleem; Mahdi, Abbas Ali; Shukla, Kamla Kant; Islam, Najmul; Jaiswar, Shyam Pyari; Ahmad, Sohail

2008-09-01

To investigate the impact of Mucuna pruriens seeds on semen profiles and biochemical levels in seminal plasma of infertile men. Prospective study. Departments of Biochemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. Sixty normal healthy fertile men (controls) and 60 men undergoing infertility screening. High-performance liquid chromatography assay procedure for quantitation of vitamin A and E in seminal plasma. Biochemical parameters in seminal plasma, namely lipids, fructose, and vitamin C, were estimated by standard spectrophotometric procedures. Before and after the treatment, seminal plasma lipid profile, lipid peroxide, fructose, and antioxidant vitamin levels were measured. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation, elevated spermatogenesis, and improved sperm motility. Treatment also recovered the levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and vitamin A, C, and E and corrected fructose in seminal plasma of infertile men. Treatment with M. pruriens increased sperm concentration and motility in all the infertile study groups. Oligozoospermic patients recovered sperm concentration significantly, but sperm motility was not restored to normal levels in asthenozoospermic men. Furthermore, in the seminal plasma of all the infertile groups, the levels of lipids, antioxidant vitamins, and corrected fructose were recovered after a decrease in lipid peroxides after treatment. The present study is likely to open new vistas on the possible role of M. pruriens seed powder as a restorative and invigorating agent for infertile men.

Plasma apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer disease risk: the AIBL study of aging.

PubMed

Gupta, V B; Laws, S M; Villemagne, V L; Ames, D; Bush, A I; Ellis, K A; Lui, J K; Masters, C; Rowe, C C; Szoeke, C; Taddei, K; Martins, R N

2011-03-22

There is mounting evidence for the contribution of apoE to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). Studies also indicate that plasma apoE levels may reflect disease status, suggesting that apoE is a potential AD biomarker. However, while some studies of apoE levels in plasma have presented correlations with AD pathology, others have not. Thus, there is a lack of consensus as to the suitability of plasma apoE as an AD biomarker. The major objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate total plasma apoE as well as levels of the apoE4 form in a large, highly characterized cohort which included both healthy controls and participants with early-stage AD. Total apoE and apoE4 were measured in 1,079 individuals drawn from the highly characterized Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study. Total and isoform-specific plasma apoE levels were then compared with cerebral Aβ load, as assessed by PET using Pittsburgh compound B (PiB). Total apoE and apoE4 levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD in the entire cohort, and decrease with Aβ load in the PiB-PET subset. ApoE levels were significantly lower among ε4 homozygous individuals. In APOE ε3/ε4 heterozygote carriers, apoE4 levels decrease, indicating that apoE3 levels increase with disease. Analysis of cross-sectional data from the AIBL study indicates that plasma apoE levels are altered in AD and correlate with AD pathology level. The significance of these findings will be determined in the AIBL longitudinal study of aging. © 2011 by AAN Enterprises, Inc.

Plasma NOV/CCN3 Levels Are Closely Associated with Obesity in Patients with Metabolic Disorders

PubMed Central

Pakradouni, Jihane; Le Goff, Wilfried; Calmel, Claire; Antoine, Bénédicte; Villard, Elise; Frisdal, Eric; Abifadel, Marianne; Tordjman, Joan; Poitou, Christine; Bonnefont-Rousselot, Dominique; Bittar, Randa; Bruckert, Eric; Clément, Karine; Fève, Bruno; Martinerie, Cécile; Guérin, Maryse

2013-01-01

Objective Evidence points to a founder of the multifunctional CCN family, NOV/CCN3, as a circulating molecule involved in cardiac development, vascular homeostasis and inflammation. No data are available on the relationship between plasma NOV/CCN3 levels and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. This study investigated the possible relationship between plasma NOV levels and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Methods NOV levels were measured in the plasma from 594 adults with a hyperlipidemia history and/or with lipid-lowering therapy and/or a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2. Correlations were measured between NOV plasma levels and various parameters, including BMI, fat mass, and plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and C-reactive protein. NOV expression was also evaluated in adipose tissue from obese patients and rodents and in primary cultures of adipocytes and macrophages. Results After full multivariate adjustment, we detected a strong positive correlation between plasma NOV and BMI (r = 0.36 p<0.0001) and fat mass (r = 0.33 p<0.0005). According to quintiles, this relationship appeared to be linear. NOV levels were also positively correlated with C-reactive protein but not with total cholesterol, LDL-C or blood glucose. In patients with drastic weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery, circulating NOV levels decreased by 28% (p<0.02) and 48% (p<0.0001) after 3 and 6 months, respectively, following surgery. In adipose tissue from obese patients, and in human primary cultures NOV protein was detected in adipocytes and macrophages. In mice fed a high fat diet NOV plasma levels and its expression in adipose tissue were also significantly increased compared to controls fed a standard diet. Conclusion Our results strongly suggest that in obese humans and mice plasma NOV levels positively correlated with NOV expression in adipose tissue, and support a possible contribution of NOV to obesity-related inflammation. PMID:23785511

Plasma carotenoids, retinol, and tocopherols and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort Study: a nested case-control study

PubMed Central

Epplein, Meira; Shvetsov, Yurii B; Wilkens, Lynne R; Franke, Adrian A; Cooney, Robert V; Le Marchand, Loïc; Henderson, Brian E; Kolonel, Laurence N; Goodman, Marc T

2009-01-01

Introduction Assessments by the handful of prospective studies of the association of serum antioxidants and breast cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. This multiethnic nested case-control study sought to examine the association of plasma carotenoids, retinol, and tocopherols with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Methods From the biospecimen subcohort of the Multiethnic Cohort Study, 286 incident postmenopausal breast cancer cases were matched to 535 controls on age, sex, ethnicity, study location (Hawaii or California), smoking status, date/time of collection and hours of fasting. We measured prediagnostic circulating levels of individual carotenoids, retinol, and tocopherols. Conditional logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Women with breast cancer tended to have lower levels of plasma carotenoids and tocopherols than matched controls, but the differences were not large or statistically significant and the trends were not monotonic. No association was seen with retinol. A sensitivity analysis excluding cases diagnosed within 1 year after blood draw did not alter the findings. Conclusions The lack of significant associations in this multiethnic population is consistent with previously observed results from less racially-diverse cohorts and serves as further evidence against a causal link between plasma micronutrient concentrations and postmenopausal breast cancer risk. PMID:19619335

Performance of target-controlled infusion of propofol using two different pharmacokinetic models in open heart surgery - a randomised controlled study.

PubMed

Mathew, P J; Sailam, S; Sivasailam, R; Thingnum, S K S; Puri, G D

2016-01-01

We compared the performance of a propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) using Marsh versus PGIMER models in patients undergoing open heart surgery, in terms of measured plasma levels of propofol and objective pharmacodynamic effect. Twenty-three, ASA II/III adult patients aged 18-65 years and scheduled for elective open heart surgery received Marsh or PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) pharmacokinetic models of TCI for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with propofol in a randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial. The plasma levels of propofol were measured at specified time points before, during and after bypass. The performances of both the models were similar, as determined by the error (%) in maintaining the target plasma concentrations: MDPE of -5.0 (-12.0, 5.0) in the PGIMER group vs -6.4 (-7.7 to 0.5) in the Marsh group and MDAPE of 9.1 (5, 15) in the PGIMER group vs 8 (6.7, 10.1) in the Marsh group. These values indicate that both models over-predicted the plasma propofol concentration. The new pharmacokinetic model based on data from Indian patients is comparable in performance to the commercially available Marsh pharmacokinetic model. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor FAD286 is Suitable for Lowering Aldosterone Levels in ZDF Rats but not in db/db Mice.

PubMed

Hofmann, Anja; Brunssen, Coy; Peitzsch, Mirko; Balyura, Mariya; Mittag, Jennifer; Frenzel, Annika; Jannasch, Anett; Brown, Nicholas F; Weldon, Steven M; Gueneva-Boucheva, Kristina K; Eisenhofer, Graeme; Bornstein, Stefan R; Morawietz, Henning

2017-06-01

Inhibition of aldosterone synthase is an alternative treatment option to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism to prevent harmful aldosterone actions. FAD286 is one of the best characterized aldosterone synthase inhibitors to date. FAD286 improves glucose tolerance and increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in obese and diabetic ZDF rats. However, there is limited knowledge about the dose-dependent effects of FAD286 on plasma aldosterone, corticosterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone in ZDF rats and in db / db mice, a second important rodent model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In addition, effects of FAD286 on plasma steroids in mice and rats are controversial. Therefore, obese Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and db / db mice were treated with FAD286 for up to 15 weeks and plasma steroids were evaluated using highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In ZDF rats, FAD286 (10 mg/kg/d) treatment resulted in nearly complete disappearance of plasma aldosterone while corticosterone levels remained unaffected and those of 11-deoxycorticosterone were increased ~4-fold compared to vehicle control. A lower dose of FAD286 (3 mg/kg / d) showed no effect on plasma aldosterone or corticosterone, but 11-deoxycorticosterone was again increased ~4-fold compared to control. In contrast to ZDF rats, a high dose of FAD286 (40 mg/kg/d) did not affect plasma aldosterone levels in db / db mice although 11-deoxycorticosterone increased ~2.5-fold. A low dose of FAD286 (10 mg/kg/d) increased plasma aldosterone without affecting corticosterone or 11-deoxycorticosterone. In conclusion, the aldosterone synthase inhibitor, FAD286, lowers plasma aldosterone in obese ZDF rats, but not in obese db / db mice. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Gestational exposure to elevated testosterone levels induces hypertension via heightened vascular angiotensin II type 1 receptor signaling in rats.

PubMed

Chinnathambi, Vijayakumar; More, Amar S; Hankins, Gary D; Yallampalli, Chandra; Sathishkumar, Kunju

2014-07-01

Pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy disorder whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Plasma testosterone levels are elevated in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and polycystic ovary syndrome, who often develop gestational hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that increased gestational testosterone levels induce hypertension via heightened angiotensin II signaling. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with vehicle or testosterone propionate from Gestational Day 15 to 19 to induce a 2-fold increase in plasma testosterone levels, similar to levels observed in clinical conditions like pre-eclampsia. A subset of rats in these two groups was given losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist by gavage during the course of testosterone exposure. Blood pressure levels were assessed through a carotid arterial catheter and endothelium-independent vascular reactivity through wire myography. Angiotensin II levels in plasma and angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression in mesenteric arteries were also examined. Blood pressure levels were significantly higher on Gestational Day 20 in testosterone-treated dams than in controls. Treatment with losartan during the course of testosterone exposure significantly attenuated testosterone-induced hypertension. Plasma angiotensin II levels were not significantly different between control and testosterone-treated rats; however, elevated testosterone levels significantly increased angiotensin II type 1 receptor protein levels in the mesenteric arteries. In testosterone-treated rats, mesenteric artery contractile responses to angiotensin II were significantly greater, whereas contractile responses to K(+) depolarization and phenylephrine were unaffected. The results demonstrate that elevated testosterone during gestation induces hypertension in pregnant rats via heightened angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated signaling, providing a molecular mechanism linking elevated maternal testosterone levels with gestational hypertension. © 2014 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Gestational Exposure to Elevated Testosterone Levels Induces Hypertension via Heightened Vascular Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Signaling in Rats1

PubMed Central

Chinnathambi, Vijayakumar; More, Amar S.; Hankins, Gary D.; Yallampalli, Chandra; Sathishkumar, Kunju

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy disorder whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Plasma testosterone levels are elevated in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and polycystic ovary syndrome, who often develop gestational hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that increased gestational testosterone levels induce hypertension via heightened angiotensin II signaling. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with vehicle or testosterone propionate from Gestational Day 15 to 19 to induce a 2-fold increase in plasma testosterone levels, similar to levels observed in clinical conditions like pre-eclampsia. A subset of rats in these two groups was given losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist by gavage during the course of testosterone exposure. Blood pressure levels were assessed through a carotid arterial catheter and endothelium-independent vascular reactivity through wire myography. Angiotensin II levels in plasma and angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression in mesenteric arteries were also examined. Blood pressure levels were significantly higher on Gestational Day 20 in testosterone-treated dams than in controls. Treatment with losartan during the course of testosterone exposure significantly attenuated testosterone-induced hypertension. Plasma angiotensin II levels were not significantly different between control and testosterone-treated rats; however, elevated testosterone levels significantly increased angiotensin II type 1 receptor protein levels in the mesenteric arteries. In testosterone-treated rats, mesenteric artery contractile responses to angiotensin II were significantly greater, whereas contractile responses to K+ depolarization and phenylephrine were unaffected. The results demonstrate that elevated testosterone during gestation induces hypertension in pregnant rats via heightened angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated signaling, providing a molecular mechanism linking elevated maternal testosterone levels with gestational hypertension. PMID:24855104

Controlling marginally detached divertor plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eldon, D.; Kolemen, E.; Barton, J. L.; Briesemeister, A. R.; Humphreys, D. A.; Leonard, A. W.; Maingi, R.; Makowski, M. A.; McLean, A. G.; Moser, A. L.; Stangeby, P. C.

2017-06-01

A new control system at DIII-D has stabilized the inter-ELM detached divertor plasma state for H-mode in close proximity to the threshold for reattachment, thus demonstrating the ability to maintain detachment with minimal gas puffing. When the same control system was instead ordered to hold the plasma at the threshold (here defined as T e  =  5 eV near the divertor target plate), the resulting T e profiles separated into two groups with one group consistent with marginal detachment, and the other with marginal attachment. The plasma dithers between the attached and detached states when the control system attempts to hold at the threshold. The control system is upgraded from the one described in Kolemen et al (2015 J. Nucl. Mater. 463 1186) and it handles ELMing plasmas by using real time D α measurements to remove during-ELM slices from real time T e measurements derived from divertor Thomson scattering. The difference between measured and requested inter-ELM T e is passed to a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller to determine gas puff commands. While some degree of detachment is essential for the health of ITER’s divertor, more deeply detached plasmas have greater radiative losses and, at the extreme, confinement degradation, making it desirable to limit detachment to the minimum level needed to protect the target plate (Kolemen et al 2015 J. Nucl. Mater. 463 1186). However, the observed bifurcation in plasma conditions at the outer strike point with the ion B   ×  \

Diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma and tissue ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 in breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Geng, Yao; Gao, Yanfang; Ju, Huangxian; Yan, Feng

2013-02-01

Ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) has been reported to play an important role in breast carcinogenesis. This work investigated the correlation of UHRF1 DNA level in plasma with clinical characteristics of breast cancer and its clinical significance in breast cancer diagnosis. The expression of UHRF1 in primary breast cancer tissue was examined by Western blot. The UHRF1 DNA levels in plasma and UHRF1 mRNA expression in tissues were determined by accurate real-time quantitative PCR. The associations of UHRF1 levels with clinical variables were evaluated using standard statistical methods. The UHRF1 DNA in plasma of 229 breast cancer patients showed higher expression than healthy controls, which showed high specificity up to 76.2% at a sensitivity of 79.2%, and was significantly associated with c-erbB2 positive status, cancer stage and lymph node metastasis. High UHRF1 DNA level in plasma was significantly associated with short progression-free survival. The UHRF1 DNA level in plasma is highly correlative with breast cancer and its status and stage, and may be a potential independent diagnostic and prognostic factor for both breast cancer and the survival of breast cancer patients. © 2012 Japanese Cancer Association.

Analysis of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase expression in control and SV40-transformed human fibroblasts.

PubMed

Reisner, P D; Brandt, P C; Vanaman, T C

1997-01-01

It has been long known that neoplastic transformation is accompanied by a lowered requirement for extracellular Ca2+ for growth. The studies presented here demonstrate that human fibroblastic cell lines produce the two commonly found 'housekeeping' isoforms of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA), PMCA1b and 4b, and at the expression of both is demonstrably lower in cell lines neoplastically transformed by SV40 than in the corresponding parental cell lines. Western blot analyses of lysates from control (GM00037) and SV40-transformed (GM00637) skin fibroblasts revealed a 138 kDa PMCA whose level was significantly lower in the SV40-transformed cells relative to either total cellular protein or alpha-tubulin. Similar analyses of plasma membrane preparations from control WI-38) and SV40-transformed (WI-38VA13) lung fibroblasts revealed 3-4-fold lower levels of PMCA in the SV40-transformed cells. Competitive ELISAs performed on detergent solubilized plasma membrane preparations indicated at least 3-4-fold lower levels of PMCA in the SV40-transformed cell lines compared to controls. Reverse transcriptase coupled-PCR analyses showed that PMCA1b and PMCA4b were the only isoforms expressed in all four cell lines. The PMCA4b mRNA level detected by Northern analysis also was substantially lower in SV40 transformed skin fibroblasts than in non-transformed fibroblasts. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed levels of PMCA1b and 4b mRNAs to be 5 and 10-fold lower, respectively, in GM00637 than in GM00037 when the levels of PCR products were normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) mRNA. These results demonstrate that the expression of these distinct PMCA genes is substantially lower in SV40 transformed human skin and lung fibroblasts and may be coordinately regulated in these cells.

Effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) on cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the blood of rats.

PubMed

Kanter, Mehmet; Coskun, Omer; Gurel, Ahmet

2005-12-01

The protective effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa = NS) on cadmium-induced oxidative stress was studied in rats. The rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups: A (conrol), B (Cd treated), and C (Cd + NS treated), each containing 10 animals. The Cd-treated and Cd + NS-treated groups were injected subcutaneously daily with CdCl2 dissolved in isotonic NaCl in the amount of 2 mL/kg for 30 d, resulting in a dosage of 0.49 mg Cd/kg/d. The control group was injected with only isotonic NaCl (2 mL/kg/d) throughout the experiment (for 30 d). Three days prior to induction of CdCl2, the Cd + NS-treated group received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 mL/kg NS until the end of the study. Cd treatment increased significantly the malondialdehyde levels in plasma and erythrocyte (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) and also increased significantly the antioxidant levels (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Cd + NS treatment decreased significantly the elevated malondialdehyde levels in plasma and erythrocyte (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) and also reduced significantly the enhanced antioxidant levels (p<0.05). Cd treatment increased significantly the activity of iron levels (p<0.05) in the plasma compared to the control group. Cd + NS treatment decreased the activity of iron levels (p<0.05) in the plasma compared to the Cd-treated group. In the control group with no treatment, histology of erythrocytes was normal. In the Cd-treated group, there were remarkable membrane destruction and hemolytic changes in erythrocytes. In the Cd + NS-treated group, these changes were less than in the Cd-treated group. Our results show that N. sativa exerts a protective effect against cadmium toxicity.

Activated platelets are the source of elevated levels of soluble CD40 ligand in the circulation of inflammatory bowel disease patients.

PubMed

Danese, S; Katz, J A; Saibeni, S; Papa, A; Gasbarrini, A; Vecchi, M; Fiocchi, C

2003-10-01

The CD40/CD40L system, a key regulator and amplifier of immune reactivity, is activated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mucosa. To determine whether plasma levels of sCD40L are elevated in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients compared with normal controls, to investigate the cellular source of sCD40L, and to explore CD40L induction mechanisms. CD, UC, and normal control subjects were studied. The concentration of sCD40L in plasma and supernatants of freshly isolated platelets and autologous peripheral blood T cells (PBT) was measured by ELISA. Surface CD40L expression level was measured by flow cytometry in resting and thrombin activated platelets, and unstimulated and CD3/CD28 stimulated PBT before and after coculture with human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMEC). Compared with normal controls, plasma sCD40L levels were significantly higher in both CD and UC patients and proportional to the extent of mucosal inflammation. Platelets from IBD patients displayed a significantly higher surface CD40L expression than those from control subjects, and released greater amounts of sCD40L than autologous PBT. Contact with IL-1beta activated HIMEC induced significant upregulation of CD40L surface expression and release by platelets. Elevated levels of sCD40L in the circulation of IBD patients reflect enhanced surface expression and release of CD40L by platelets. This phenomenon translates to an increased platelet activation state apparently induced by passage through an inflamed mucosal microvascular bed, a conclusion supported by the positive correlation of plasma sCD40L levels with the extent of anatomical involvement by IBD. These results suggest that platelet-endothelial interactions critically contribute to activation of the CD40 pathway in IBD.

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha activators on tumor necrosis factor expression in mice during endotoxemia.

PubMed

Hill, M R; Clarke, S; Rodgers, K; Thornhill, B; Peters, J M; Gonzalez, F J; Gimble, J M

1999-07-01

Inflammatory mediators orchestrate the host immune and metabolic response to acute bacterial infections and mediate the events leading to septic shock. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has long been identified as one of the proximal mediators of endotoxin action. Recent studies have implicated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) as a potential target to modulate regulation of the immune response. Since PPARalpha activators, which are hypolipidemic drugs, are being prescribed for a significant population of older patients, it is important to determine the impact of these drugs on the host response to acute inflammation. Therefore, we examined the role of PPARalpha activators on the regulation of TNF expression in a mouse model of endotoxemia. CD-1 mice treated with dietary fenofibrate or Wy-14,643 had fivefold-higher lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF plasma levels than LPS-treated control-fed animals. Higher LPS-induced TNF levels in drug-fed animals were reflected physiologically in significantly lower glucose levels in plasma and a significantly lower 50% lethal dose than those in LPS-treated control-fed animals. Utilizing PPARalpha wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice, we showed that the effect of fenofibrate on LPS-induced TNF expression was indeed mediated by PPARalpha. PPARalpha WT mice fed fenofibrate also had a fivefold increase in LPS-induced TNF levels in plasma compared to control-fed animals. However, LPS-induced TNF levels were significantly decreased and glucose levels in plasma were significantly increased in PPARalpha KO mice fed fenofibrate compared to those in control-fed animals. Data from peritoneal macrophage studies indicate that Wy-14,643 modestly decreased TNF expression in vitro. Similarly, overexpression of PPARalpha in 293T cells decreased activity of a human TNF promoter-luciferase construct. The results from these studies suggest that any anti-inflammatory activity of PPARalpha in vivo can be masked by other systemic effects of PPARalpha activators.

Chromogranin A: Novel biomarker between periodontal disease and psychosocial stress

PubMed Central

Reshma, Arunima Padmakumar; Arunachalam, Rajeev; Pillai, Jayakumar Kochu; Kurra, Sarath Babu; Varkey, Vini K.; Prince, Mohanraj J.

2013-01-01

Context: The psychosocial stress has long been regarded as a significant pre-disposing factor for periodontal disease. The association between the periodontal disease and the neuroendocrine hormones has been observed. Chromogranin A (CgA) is supposed to link the activity of the neuroendocrine system to local and systemic immune functions and to be related to periodontitis. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the CgA levels in saliva and plasma in periodontal health and disease and to assess their potential relationship to periodontitis. Settings and Designs: In this case-control study, the association between periodontal disease and stress marker has been assessed. Materials and Methods: Sixty subjects were chosen for this study: With case group comprising of 30 subjects with chronic periodontitis and control group comprising of 30 healthy subjects. Salivary and plasma CgA levels were determined by ELISA technique. Clinical parameters included were plaque index, papillary bleeding index and clinical attachment loss and probing depth. Correlation analysis was calculated by independent sample t-test. Results: Significantly higher CgA levels were found in saliva and plasma of patients with chronic periodontitis compared with healthy individuals (P < 0.05). No significant difference were observed between salivary and plasma CgA levels. Conclusions: The elevated level CgA in the plasma and saliva of subjects with stress induced chronic periodontitis has yielded insights into biological plausible association between the psychosocial stress and chronic periodontitis. Thus, our results suggest that CgA is a useful biomarker for evaluating at least in part the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. PMID:23869129

The Effect of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Surgery on Plasma Levels of Appetite-Control, Insulinotropic, and Digestive Hormones

PubMed Central

Shak, Joshua R.; Roper, Jatin; Perez-Perez, Guillermo I.; Tseng, Chi-hong; Francois, Fritz; Gamagaris, Zoi; Patterson, Carlie; Weinshel, Elizabeth; Fielding, George A.; Ren, Christine

2013-01-01

Background We hypothesized that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) reduces weight and modulates ghrelin production, but largely spares gastrointestinal endocrine function. To examine this hypothesis, we determined plasma concentrations of appetite-control, insulinotropic, and digestive hormones in relation to LAGB. Methods Twenty-four patients undergoing LAGB were prospectively enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and blood samples obtained at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Plasma concentrations of leptin, acylated and total ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), gastrin, and pepsinogens I and II were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results Median percent excess weight loss (%EWL) over 12 months was 45.7% with median BMI decreasing from 43.2 at baseline to 33.8 at 12 months post-surgery (p<0.001). Median leptin levels decreased from 19.7 ng/ml at baseline to 6.9 ng/ml at 12 months post-surgery (p<0.001). In contrast, plasma levels of acylated and total ghrelin, PP, insulin, GIP, GLP-1, gastrin, and pepsinogen I did not change in relation to surgery (p>0.05). Pepsinogen II levels were significantly lower 6 months after LAGB but returned to baseline levels by 12 months. Conclusions LAGB yielded substantial %EWL and a proportional decrease in plasma leptin. Our results support the hypothesis that LAGB works in part by suppressing the rise in ghrelin that normally accompanies weight loss. Unchanged concentrations of insulinotropic and digestive hormones suggest that gastrointestinal endocrine function is largely maintained in the long term. PMID:18408980

The effect of laparoscopic gastric banding surgery on plasma levels of appetite-control, insulinotropic, and digestive hormones.

PubMed

Shak, Joshua R; Roper, Jatin; Perez-Perez, Guillermo I; Tseng, Chi-hong; Francois, Fritz; Gamagaris, Zoi; Patterson, Carlie; Weinshel, Elizabeth; Fielding, George A; Ren, Christine; Blaser, Martin J

2008-09-01

We hypothesized that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) reduces weight and modulates ghrelin production, but largely spares gastrointestinal endocrine function. To examine this hypothesis, we determined plasma concentrations of appetite-control, insulinotropic, and digestive hormones in relation to LAGB. Twenty-four patients undergoing LAGB were prospectively enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and blood samples obtained at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Plasma concentrations of leptin, acylated and total ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), gastrin, and pepsinogens I and II were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Median percent excess weight loss (%EWL) over 12 months was 45.7% with median BMI decreasing from 43.2 at baseline to 33.8 at 12 months post-surgery (p < 0.001). Median leptin levels decreased from 19.7 ng/ml at baseline to 6.9 ng/ml at 12 months post-surgery (p < 0.001). In contrast, plasma levels of acylated and total ghrelin, PP, insulin, GIP, GLP-1, gastrin, and pepsinogen I did not change in relation to surgery (p > 0.05). Pepsinogen II levels were significantly lower 6 months after LAGB but returned to baseline levels by 12 months. LAGB yielded substantial %EWL and a proportional decrease in plasma leptin. Our results support the hypothesis that LAGB works in part by suppressing the rise in ghrelin that normally accompanies weight loss. Unchanged concentrations of insulinotropic and digestive hormones suggest that gastrointestinal endocrine function is largely maintained in the long term.

Unsuccessfully Treated Hypertension: A Major Public Health Problem With a Potential Solution.

PubMed

Furberg, Curt D; Sealey, Jean E; Blumenfeld, Jon D

2017-09-01

About one-half of all hypertensive adults do not have their blood pressure controlled. They are often prescribed medications that conform to national guidelines but they continue to have elevated blood pressure. This public health problem might be improved by applying plasma renin guided therapy. A contributor to the public health problem of unsuccessfully treated hypertension is that the circulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is not recognized in treatment guidelines as clinically relevant for the treatment of hypertension or as important as the body salt status for determining blood pressure levels. Another contributor to the problem is the lack of specificity in the package inserts for antihypertensive drugs. They do not specifically state under the heading "Indications" that RAS blockers are primarily most effective in hypertensive subjects with medium and high plasma renin levels; by contrast, natriuretic drugs are most effective in those with low plasma renin levels. Literature review. To address the problem of unsuccessfully treated hypertension, we recommend that the "Indications" section of package inserts for antihypertensive drugs be more specific. The primary indication for RAS blockers ought to be hypertension with medium and high plasma renin levels, and natriuretic agents for those with low plasma renin levels. Similar language ought to be added to treatment guidelines. Additionally, 3 other reasons for lack of blood pressure control also need to be addressed-failure to prescribe antihypertensive drugs to hypertensive subjects, failure of patients to fill prescriptions, and low drug adherence. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Increased Circulating Levels of Vitamin D Binding Protein in MS Patients

PubMed Central

Rinaldi, Arturo Ottavio; Sanseverino, Isabella; Purificato, Cristina; Cortese, Antonio; Mechelli, Rosella; Francisci, Silvia; Salvetti, Marco; Millefiorini, Enrico; Gessani, Sandra; Gauzzi, Maria Cristina

2015-01-01

Vitamin D (vitD) low status is currently considered a main environmental factor in multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology and pathogenesis. VitD and its metabolites are highly hydrophobic and circulate mostly bound to the vitamin D binding protein (DBP) and with lower affinity to albumin, while less than 1% are in a free form. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the circulating levels of either of the two vitD plasma carriers and/or their relationship are altered in MS. We measured DBP and albumin plasma levels in 28 MS patients and 24 healthy controls. MS patients were found to have higher DBP levels than healthy subjects. Concomitant interferon beta therapy did not influence DBP concentration, and the difference with the control group was significant in both females and males. No significant correlation between DBP and albumin levels was observed either in healthy controls or in patients. These observations suggest the involvement of DBP in the patho-physiology of MS. PMID:25590278

Modulation of plasma N-acylethanolamine levels and physiological parameters by dietary fatty acid composition in humans.

PubMed

Jones, Peter J H; Lin, Lin; Gillingham, Leah G; Yang, Haifeng; Omar, Jaclyn M

2014-12-01

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are endogenous lipid-signaling molecules involved in satiety and energetics; however, how diet impacts circulating NAE concentrations and their downstream metabolic actions in humans remains unknown. Objectives were to examine effects of diets enriched with high-oleic canola oil (HOCO) or HOCO blended with flaxseed oil (FXCO), compared with a Western diet (WD), on plasma NAE levels and the association with energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. Using a randomized controlled crossover design, 36 hypercholesterolemic participants consumed three isoenergetic diets for 28 days, each containing 36% energy from fat, of which 70% was HOCO, FXCO, or WD. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS was used to measure plasma NAE levels and indirect calorimetry to assess energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. After 28 days, compared with WD, plasma oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and alpha-linolenoyl ethanolamide (ALEA) levels were significantly increased in response to HOCO and FXCO (P = 0.002, P < 0.001), respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated an inverse association between plasma OEA levels and percent body fat (r = -0.21, P = 0.04), and a positive association was observed between the plasma arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA)/OEA ratio and android:gynoid fat (r = 0.23, P = 0.02), respectively. Results suggest that plasma NAE levels are upregulated via their dietary lipid substrates and may modulate regional and total fat mass through lipid-signaling mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Beneficial effects of β-conglycinin on renal function and nephrin expression in early streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rats.

PubMed

Yang, Hsin-Yi; Wu, Lin-Yi; Yeh, Wan-Ju; Chen, Jiun-Rong

2014-01-14

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of β-conglycinin and soya isoflavones on diabetic nephropathy (DN). DN was induced by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (25 mg/kg) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. DN rats were divided into a non-diabetic group (C, control group) and three DN groups (D, DN with control diet; B, DN+control diet with one-eighth of casein replaced by β-conglycinin as the protein source; and I, DN+control diet with 0·01 % soya isoflavones). After a 4-week experimental period, we found that fasting blood sugar and plasma and kidney advanced glycation end product levels and 24 h urinary protein excretion of the B group were significantly lower than those of the D group and insulin sensitivity and nephrin expression of the B group were significantly higher than those of the D group. In addition, systolic blood pressure, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, angiotensin II level and plasma TAG level of the B group were significantly lower than those of the D group, whereas only the levels of plasma TAG and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances of the I group were lower than those of the D group. In conclusion, β-conglycinin may be beneficial for retarding DN progression and this effect cannot be completely explained by its isoflavone content.

Determinants of plasma NT-pro-BNP levels in patients with atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

PubMed

Letsas, Konstantinos P; Filippatos, Gerasimos S; Pappas, Loukas K; Mihas, Constantinos C; Markou, Virginia; Alexanian, Ioannis P; Efremidis, Michalis; Sideris, Antonios; Maisel, Alan S; Kardaras, Fotios

2009-02-01

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical and echocardiographic determinants of plasma NT-pro-BNP levels in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). NT-pro-BNP levels were measured in 45 patients with paroxysmal AF, 41 patients with permanent AF and 48 controls. NT-pro-BNP levels were found significantly elevated in patients with paroxysmal (215+/-815 pg/ml) and permanent AF (1,086+/-835 pg/ml) in relation to control population (86.3+/-77.9 pg/ml) (P<0.001). According to the univariate linear regression analysis, age, hypertension, beta-blocker use, left atrial diameter (LAD), LVEF and AF status (paroxysmal or permanent or both) were significantly associated with NT-pro-BNP levels (P<0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, LVEF (B coefficient: -53.030; CI: -95.738 to -10.322; P: 0.015) and LAD (B coefficient: 285.858; CI: 23.731-547.986; P: 0.033) were significant and independent determinants of NT-pro-BNP levels. Plasma NT-pro-BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal and permanent AF compared to those with sinus rhythm in the setting of preserved left ventricular systolic function. LVEF and LAD were independent predictors of NT-pro-BNP levels.

Effects of preemptive analgesia with parecoxib sodium on haemodynamics and plasma stress hormones in surgical patients with thyroid carcinoma.

PubMed

Wang, Lian-Dong; Gao, Xia; Li, Jun-Ying; Yu, Hong-Yan; Su, Hai-Wen; Liu, Lian-Zhong; Qi, Jun

2015-01-01

To investigate the effects of preemptive analgesia with parecoxib sodium on haemodynamics and plasma stress hormones in surgical patients with thyroid carcinoma. Fifty-seven patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent thyroidectomy selectively in Laiwu Hospital Affiliated to Taishan Medical University and Binzhou People's Hospital were selected and randomly divided into three groups, 19 cases in each group. The control group was intravenously injected 0.9% sodium chloride injection before anesthesia induction; trial group I was intravenously injected with parecoxib sodium 20 min before anesthesia induction; based on trial group I, trial group II was injected with parecoxib sodium again 12 h after surgery. The levels of plasma norepinephrine (NE), cortisol (Cor) and blood glucose before, 12 and 24 h after surgery and changes of haemodynamics before surgery, at the end of surgery and 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery were compared in the three groups. Besides, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery. 12 and 24 h after surgery, the levels of plasma NE and Cor in three groups rose dramatically (P<0.05 or (P<0.01); The levels of plasma NE and Cor in trial groups I and II were evidently lower than in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and those in trial group II slightly lower than in trial group I. 12 h after surgery, the heart rates (HR) and systolic pressures (SBP) in trial groups I and II increased obviously by comparison to surgery before (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but gradually returned to the preoperative level. HR, SBP and diastolic pressures (DBP) in trial groups I and II at the end of surgery and 12 h after surgery were all lower than in the control group, and significant differences were present (P<0.05 or (P<0.01). At 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery, VAS scores in trial groups I and II were markedly lower than in the control group ((P<0.05 or (P<0.01), the scores in trial group II being the lowest. Combined application of parecoxib sodium for preemptive analgesia before anesthesia and after surgery can effectively reduce the levels of plasma stress hormones and improve analgesic effects in surgical patients with thyroid carcinoma, and without conspicuous impact on haemodynamics.

Betaine increases the butyrylcholinesterase activity in rat plasma.

PubMed

Šišková, K; Dubničková, M; Pašková, Ľ; Rajdl, D; Ďuračková, Z; Muchová, J; Pauliková, I; Racek, J

2016-01-01

The physiological function of butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8, BChE) is not clearly understood, but a role was suggested in the fat utilization process, resulting in positive correlation between plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and BChE activity. Consequently we tested the hypothesis that regular intake of betaine, a natural compound intervening in the liver TG metabolism could influence the BChE activity. The BChE activity was estimated spectrophotometrically in plasma of rats fed with betaine enriched standard (B) or high-fat diet (HFB). The results confirmed decreased TG plasma levels after betaine treatment independently on the type of diet (0.15+/-0.03 (B) vs. 0.27+/-0.08 (control) mmol/l; p=0.003 and 0.13+/-0.03 (HFB) vs. 0.27+/-0.08 (control) mmol/l; p=0.005). The BChE activity increased significantly with betaine administration, however the change was more distinct in the HFB group (0.84+/-0.34 (HFB) vs. 0.22+/-0.04 (control) O.D./min/mg; p<0.001 and 0.41+/-0.11 (B) vs. 0.22+/-0.04 (control) O.D./min/mg; p=0.001). In conclusion, betaine intake led to elevated BChE activity in plasma and this effect was potentiated by the HF diet. Since betaine is in general used as a supplement in the treatment of liver diseases accompanied by TG overload, its impact on the BChE activity in the role of the liver function marker should be taken into account.

Plasma beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin and corticotropin in polycystic ovarian disease.

PubMed

Laatikainen, T; Salminen, K; Virtanen, T; Apter, D

1987-04-01

In 9 women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and in 11 control subjects at the follicular phase of the normal cycle, blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals during a 2 h period of bed rest for the assay of beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin, corticotropin, cortisol and prolactin. During the study period, the plasma levels of these hormones decreased more significantly in the PCOD than in the control group, suggesting that the PCOD patients had a more significant stress response to the puncture of the vein than the control subjects. The second hour of the study period was considered to represent resting levels of hormones. The mean resting levels (+/- S.E.) of the hormones between the PCOD and control groups, respectively, were as follows: beta-E, 2.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.1 pmol/l, p less than 0.05; beta-LPH, 3.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.5 pmol/l, N.S.; corticotropin, 2.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.5 pmol/l, p less than 0.05; cortisol, 176 +/- 24 vs. 128 +/- 16, N.S.; and prolactin; 3.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 5.6 +/- 1.2 ng/ml, N.S. These results confirm the previous findings on increased circulating levels of beta-E in PCOD. A concomitant increase of the plasma level of corticotropin suggests that the basal secretion of both beta-E and corticotropin from the anterior pituitary gland is increased in women with PCOD.

Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels are influenced by sex and strain but do not predict tissue iron levels in inbred mice.

PubMed

McLachlan, Stela; Page, Kathryn E; Lee, Seung-Min; Loguinov, Alex; Valore, Erika; Hui, Simon T; Jung, Grace; Zhou, Jie; Lusis, Aldons J; Fuqua, Brie; Ganz, Tomas; Nemeth, Elizabeta; Vulpe, Chris D

2017-11-01

Iron homeostasis is tightly regulated, and the peptide hormone hepcidin is considered to be a principal regulator of iron metabolism. Previous studies in a limited number of mouse strains found equivocal sex- and strain-dependent differences in mRNA and serum levels of hepcidin and reported conflicting data on the relationship between hepcidin ( Hamp1 ) mRNA levels and iron status. Our aim was to clarify the relationships between strain, sex, and hepcidin expression by examining multiple tissues and the effects of different dietary conditions in multiple inbred strains. Two studies were done: first, Hamp1 mRNA, liver iron, and plasma diferric transferrin levels were measured in 14 inbred strains on a control diet; and second, Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels in both sexes and iron levels in the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen in males were measured in nine inbred/recombinant inbred strains raised on an iron-sufficient or high-iron diet. Both sex and strain have a significant effect on both hepcidin mRNA (primarily a sex effect) and plasma hepcidin levels (primarily a strain effect). However, liver iron and diferric transferrin levels are not predictors of Hamp1 mRNA levels in mice fed iron-sufficient or high-iron diets, nor are the Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels good predictors of tissue iron levels, at least in males. We also measured plasma erythroferrone, performed RNA-sequencing analysis of liver samples from six inbred strains fed the iron-sufficient, low-iron, or high-iron diets, and explored differences in gene expression between the strains with the highest and lowest hepcidin levels. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both sex and strain have a significant effect on both hepcidin mRNA (primarily a sex effect) and plasma hepcidin levels (primarily a strain effect). Liver iron and diferric transferrin levels are not predictors of Hamp1 mRNA levels in mice, nor are the Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels good predictors of tissue iron levels, at least in males. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Quantitation of Human Papillomavirus DNA in Plasma of Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cao Hongbin; Banh, Alice; Kwok, Shirley

Purpose: To determine whether human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA can be detected in the plasma of patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) and to monitor its temporal change during radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: We used polymerase chain reaction to detect HPV DNA in the culture media of HPV-positive SCC90 and VU147T cells and the plasma of SCC90 and HeLa tumor-bearing mice, non-tumor-bearing controls, and those with HPV-negative tumors. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to quantify the plasma HPV DNA in 40 HPV-positive OPC, 24 HPV-negative head-and-neck cancer patients and 10 non-cancer volunteers. The tumor HPV status was confirmed bymore » p16{sup INK4a} staining and HPV16/18 polymerase chain reaction or HPV in situ hybridization. A total of 14 patients had serial plasma samples for HPV DNA quantification during radiotherapy. Results: HPV DNA was detectable in the plasma samples of SCC90- and HeLa-bearing mice but not in the controls. It was detected in 65% of the pretreatment plasma samples from HPV-positive OPC patients using E6/7 quantitative polymerase chain reaction. None of the HPV-negative head-and-neck cancer patients or non-cancer controls had detectable HPV DNA. The pretreatment plasma HPV DNA copy number correlated significantly with the nodal metabolic tumor volume (assessed using {sup 18}F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography). The serial measurements in 14 patients showed a rapid decline in HPV DNA that had become undetectable at radiotherapy completion. In 3 patients, the HPV DNA level had increased to a discernable level at metastasis. Conclusions: Xenograft studies indicated that plasma HPV DNA is released from HPV-positive tumors. Circulating HPV DNA was detectable in most HPV-positive OPC patients. Thus, plasma HPV DNA might be a valuable tool for identifying relapse.« less

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with Huntington's Disease

PubMed Central

Zuccato, Chiara; Mariotti, Caterina; Valenza, Marta; Lahiri, Nayana; Wild, Edward J.; Sassone, Jenny; Ciammola, Andrea; Bachoud-Lèvi, Anne Catherine; Tabrizi, Sarah J.; Di Donato, Stefano; Cattaneo, Elena

2011-01-01

Reduced Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels have been described in a number of patho-physiological conditions, most notably, in Huntington's disease (HD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Since BDNF is also produced in blood, we have undertaken the measurement of its peripheral levels in the attempt to identify a possible link with HD prognosis and/or its progression. Here we evaluated BDNF level in 398 blood samples including 138 controls, 56 preHD, and 204 HD subjects. We found that BDNF protein levels were not reliably different between groups, whether measured in plasma (52 controls, 26 preHD, 105 HD) or serum (39 controls, 5 preHD, 29 HD). Our experience, and a re-analysis of the literature highlighted that intra-group variability and methodological aspects affect this measurement, especially in serum. We also assessed BDNF mRNA levels in blood samples from 47 controls, 25 preHD, and 70 HD subjects, and found no differences among the groups. We concluded that levels of BDNF in human blood were not informative (mRNA levels or plasma protein level) nor reliable (serum protein levels) as HD biomarkers. We also wish to warn the scientific community in interpreting the significance of changes measured in BDNF protein levels in serum from patients suffering from different conditions. PMID:21857974

[Procalcitonin as a predictor of trauma severity and post-traumatic sepsis in children].

PubMed

Liu, Shao-Feng; Yuan, Gao-Pin; Yang, Jian; He, Tao-Zhen; Feng, Hai-Huan; Liu, Min

2012-09-01

To determine the association of procalcitonin (PCT) with trauma severity and post traumatic sepsis in children. The blood samples of 30 children with acute trauma in a Pediatric unit were collected for four consecutive days. The levels of PCT, IL-6, CRP and WBC were measured. The pediatric trauma score (PTS), length of stay in hospital, incidence of sepsis and clinical outcomes of the children were recorded. The value of PCT for predicting prognosis of children with trauma was compared with other inflammatory markers. Plasma PCT levels increased significantly in the patients in our study. Sepsis occurred in 23.33% of the patients. The patients with sepsis had higher levels of PCT than those with and without systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the healthy controls (P < 0.05). The peak level of PCT emerged on day 2 after trauma. The plasma PCT levels were positively correlated with trauma severity. The level of PCT on day 2 was an independent predictor for post-trauma sepsis and SIRS. Plasma PCT levels increase markedly in post trauma children. Plasma PCT of day 2 after trauma is an independent predictor of post-traumatic sepsis and SIRS complications. There is a significant correlation between the severity of injury and plasma PCT.

Short Communication: Low Expression of Activation and Inhibitory Molecules on NK Cells and CD4(+) T Cells Is Associated with Viral Control.

PubMed

Taborda, Natalia A; Hernández, Juan C; Lajoie, Julie; Juno, Jennifer A; Kimani, Joshua; Rugeles, María T; Fowke, Keith R

2015-06-01

Chronic HIV-1 infection induces severe immune alterations, including hyperactivation, exhaustion, and apoptosis. In fact, viral control has been associated with low frequencies of these processes. Here, we evaluated the expression of activation and inhibitory molecules on natural killer (NK) and CD4(+) T cells and plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines in individuals exhibiting viral control: a cohort of HIV-1-exposed-seronegative individuals (HESN) and a cohort of HIV controllers. There was lower expression of CD69, LAG-3, PD-1, and TIM-3 in both cohorts when compared to a low-risk population or HIV progressors. In addition, HIV controllers exhibited lower plasma levels of proinflamatory molecules TNF-α and IP-10. These findings suggest that individuals exhibiting viral control have lower basal expression of markers associated with cellular activation and particularly immune exhaustion.

Effect of garlic on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

PubMed

Sahebkar, Amirhossein; Serban, Corina; Ursoniu, Sorin; Banach, Maciej

2016-01-01

Garlic can play an essential role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, but the research addressing the effect of garlic on the concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has not been fully demonstrated. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of garlic on plasma Lp(a) concentrations through systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials. The literature search included SCOPUS, PubMed-Medline, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to March 10, 2015 to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of garlic on plasma Lp(a) concentrations. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Overall, the effect of garlic on plasma Lp(a) levels was reported in six trials. Meta-analysis did not suggest a significant alteration in plasma Lp(a) levels after garlic consumption (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 16.86%; 95% confidence interval, -4.59 to 38.31; P = 0.124). This result was robust in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. When the studies were categorized according to the duration of supplementation, there was no effect in the subgroup of trials lasting ≤12 wk (WMD = 2.01%; 95% CI, -14.67 to 18.68; P = 0.813) but a significant elevation of plasma Lp(a) concentrations was found in trials lasting >12 wk (WMD = 54.59%; 95% CI, 30.47-78.71; P < 0.001). Random-effects meta-regression suggested an inverse association between the changes in plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and duration of supplementation (slope 1.71; 95% CI, 0.46-2.97; P = 0.007). The present meta-analysis did not suggest a significant effect of garlic supplementation on the reduction of Lp(a) levels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma carotenoids, vitamin C, retinol and tocopherols levels and pancreatic cancer risk within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition: a nested case-control study: plasma micronutrients and pancreatic cancer risk.

PubMed

Jeurnink, Suzanne M; Ros, Martine M; Leenders, Max; van Duijnhoven, Franzel J B; Siersema, Peter D; Jansen, Eugene H J M; van Gils, Carla H; Bakker, Marije F; Overvad, Kim; Roswall, Nina; Tjønneland, Anne; Boutron-Ruault, Marie-Christine; Racine, Antoine; Cadeau, Claire; Grote, Verena; Kaaks, Rudolf; Aleksandrova, Krasimira; Boeing, Heiner; Trichopoulou, Antonia; Benetou, Vasiliki; Valanou, Elisavet; Palli, Domenico; Krogh, Vittorio; Vineis, Paolo; Tumino, Rosario; Mattiello, Amalia; Weiderpass, Elisabete; Skeie, Guri; Castaño, José María Huerta; Duell, Eric J; Barricarte, Aurelio; Molina-Montes, Esther; Argüelles, Marcial; Dorronsoro, Mire; Johansen, Dorthe; Lindkvist, Björn; Sund, Malin; Crowe, Francesca L; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Jenab, Mazda; Fedirko, Veronika; Riboli, E; Bueno-de-Mesquita, H B

2015-03-15

Evidence of a protective effect of several antioxidants and other nutrients on pancreatic cancer risk is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the association for prediagnostic plasma levels of carotenoids, vitamin C, retinol and tocopherols with risk of pancreatic cancer in a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). 446 incident exocrine pancreatic cancer cases were matched to 446 controls by age at blood collection, study center, sex, date and time of blood collection, fasting status and hormone use. Plasma carotenoids (α- and β-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein), α- and γ-tocopherol and retinol were measured by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography and plasma vitamin C by a colorimetric assay. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for pancreatic cancer risk were estimated using a conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusted for smoking status, smoking duration and intensity, waist circumference, cotinine levels and diabetes status. Inverse associations with pancreatic cancer risk were found for plasma β-carotene (IRR highest vs. lowest quartile 0.52, 95%CI 0.31-0.88, p for trend = 0.02), zeaxanthin (IRR highest vs. lowest quartile 0.53, 95%CI 0.30-0.94, p for trend = 0.06) and α-tocopherol (IRR highest vs. lowest quartile 0.62, 95%CI 0.39-0.99, p for trend = 0.08. For α- and β-carotene, lutein, sum of carotenoids and γ-tocopherol, heterogeneity between geographical regions was observed. In conclusion, our results show that higher plasma concentrations of β-carotene, zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol may be inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, but further studies are warranted. © 2014 UICC.

Plasma trypsin in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Adrian, T E; Besterman, H S; Mallinson, C N; Pera, A; Redshaw, M R; Wood, T P; Bloom, S R

1979-10-01

We have used a simple and precise radioimmunoassay to measure trypsin in human plasma. Fasting plasma trypsin concentrations were extremely low in patients with chronic pancreatitis with steatorrhoea (5 +/- 2 ng/ml) when compared to healthy controls (86 +/- 7 ng/ml, p less than 0.001). In patients with chronic pancreatitis but no steatorrhoea basal plasma trypsin levels were similar to those of the normal controls (99 +/- 25 ng/ml). A small but significant postprandial rise in plasma trypsin concentrations was observed in normal subjects (mean increment 15 +/- 4%, p less than 0.005, paired t test) but was absent in patients with chronic pancreatitis with steatorrhoea. In contrast to exocrine deficient chronic pancreatitis, other malabsorptive conditions associated with steatorrhoea (active coeliac disease and acute tropical sprue) demonstrated mean fasting trypsin concentrations similar to controls. Patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas had basal trypsin concentrations similar to healthy subjects as did patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach, colon, rectum, brochus, and breast. In some cases measurement of plasma trypsin may be of help in the differential diagnosis of steatorrhoea.

Role of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism in Idiopathic Portal Vein Thrombosis.

PubMed

Ghaznavi, Habib; Soheili, Zahra; Samiei, Shahram; Soltanpour, Mohammad Soleiman

2016-03-01

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare and life-threatening vascular disorder characterized by obstruction or narrowing of the portal vein. Hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism has been studied in PVT patients with conflicting results. In the present study the association of hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR C677T polymorphism with PVT risk was investigated in Iranians. Our study population consisted of 10 idiopathic PVT patients and 80 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex. MTHFR C677T polymorphism was genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction technique combined with restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay method. Mean plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher in PVT patients (20.2±6.8) than control subjects (10.9±4.7) (P=0.001). Moreover, plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher in 677T allele carriers relative to 677C allele carriers in both PVT patients (P=0.01) and control subjects (P=0.03). Neither homozygote nor heterozygote genotypes of MTHFR C677T polymorphism correlated significantly with PVT risk (P>0.05). Moreover, MTHFR C677T polymorphism didn't increase the risk of PVT under dominant (CT+TT vs. CC) or recessive (TT vs. CC+CT) genetic models analyzed (P>0.05). The difference in frequency of minor 677T allele between PVT patients and control subjects was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Based on the current study, we suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia constitutes a significant and common risk factor for PVT. Also, MTHFR C677T polymorphism is not a risk factor for PVT but is a contributing factor for elevated plasma tHcy levels.

Major surgical trauma induces proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in transgenic mice and is associated with a rapid increase in circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9.

PubMed

Belizon, A; Kirman, I; Balik, E; Karten, M; Jain, S; Whelan, R L

2007-04-01

The authors previously demonstrated a significant decrease in plasma levels of intact insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) after major open but not after laparoscopic-assisted surgery in humans. They postulated that this decrease may have an effect on postoperative tumor growth. It also has been shown that plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease capable of degrading IGFBP-3, are transiently increased after open colectomy in humans. The authors aimed to develop an animal model that would allow further study of the effect that surgical trauma has on plasma levels IGFBP-3 and MMP-9. In addition, they set out to assess the concentration of MMP-9 in circulating monocytes before and after surgery. The 30 mice included in this study were divided into three groups: sham laparotomy, carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum, and anesthesia control. All mice were IGFBP-3 transgenics (overexpressing human IGFBP-3) on a CD1 background. The mice were anesthetized using ketamine and xylazine. Blood was drawn retroorbitally 48 h before the procedure. The duration of the procedure was 30 min. The animals were killed 24 h postoperatively and blood was drawn. Intact IGFBP-3 levels were measured using a combination of Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) at the two time points: before and after the operation. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell levels of MMP-9 were measured at each time point using zymography. Mononuclear cell lysates were used to determine intracellular MMP-9 levels. Plasma levels of intact IGFBP-3 were significantly lower than preoperative levels after sham laparotomy. A mean decrease of 76.6% was noted (p < 0.05). Zymography demonstrated significantly higher plasma MMP-9-related proteolytic activity than observed preoperatively after sham laparotomy (78.5 vs 42.3 Relative Units [RU]; p < 0.05). In the pneumoperitoneum group, no significant decrease was found between the pre- and postoperative levels of intact IGFBP-3. A nonsignificant increase in MMP-9 was noted after CO2 pneumoperitoneum (38 RU preoperatively vs. 46.4 RU postoperatively; p > 0.05). The anesthesia control group did not demonstrate a significant change in either circulating intact IGFBP-3 levels or MMP-9 levels. Mononuclear intracellular levels of MMP-9 were significantly lower after laparotomy than the preoperative levels (3 vs 37 RU). The postprocedure intracellular levels of MMP-9 were not significantly decreased in the pneumoperitoneum or anesthesia control group. Plasma levels of intact IGFBP-3, a cell growth regulating factor, were found to be decreased significantly after laparotomy. This decrease was not seen after pneumoperitoneum. Depletion of intact IGFBP-3 after laparotomy correlated with a rapid release of MMP-9 from mononuclear cells and an increase in circulating plasma MMP-9 levels. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 may play an important role in IGFBP-3 proteolysis after surgical trauma. Furthermore, circulating mononuclear cells are one source of MMP-9 after surgery. Finally, the model used reproduces events in humans after surgery, and thus should permit further study on the mechanism of IGFBP-3 proteolysis after surgical trauma.

Determination of left ventricular mass by echocardiography in normotensive diabetic patients.

PubMed

Hirayama, H; Sugano, M; Abe, N; Yonemochi, H; Makino, N

2000-12-01

Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, even in the absence of hypertension. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is an ominous prognostic sign and an independent risk factor for cardiac events, is often present in Type 2 DM patients. Forty-two Type 2 DM patients without hypertension, all of whom had been diagnosed more than 10 years ago, were examined in the present study. They had no evidence of renal dysfunction and had not received any anti-hypertensive drugs. Age-matched healthy normal subjects (n=47) were recruited as controls. All participants were classified according to the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) using M-mode echocardiography and their systolic function (fractional shortening) was examined. The systolic function was not significantly different between the Type 2 DM and control groups. LVH can be seen even in the normotensive Type 2 DM patients, with these patients still having a higher LVMI than the normal control subjects. Although the plasma insulin levels were not significantly increased in the Type 2 DM patients, the LVMI significantly correlated with plasma insulin levels. However, the LVMI did not significantly correlate with plasma fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c in the Type 2 DM patients. These results suggest that LVH in Type 2 DM patients without hypertension may be associated with elevated plasma insulin levels.

Plasma galanin concentrations in obese, normal weight and anorectic women.

PubMed

Invitti, C; Brunani, A; Pasqualinotto, L; Dubini, A; Bendinelli, P; Maroni, P; Cavagnini, F

1995-05-01

Galanin is believed to play a role in the control of eating behavior. No information is available on its concentrations in the biological fluids in human obesity, and this study aimed to clarify this. We measured plasma galanin and serum insulin levels in 30 obese, 35 normal weight and 11 anorectic women. Mean galanin values were quite similar in obese and control subjects (76.8 +/- 3.20 vs 76.1 +/- 2.33 pg/ml) and only slightly reduced in anorectic patients (67.9 +/- 2.30 pg/ml). Insulin levels were significantly increased and decreased in obese and anorectic patients, respectively, compared to controls. Insulin correlated positively with BMI in the whole group of subjects studied (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001) and in the obese subgroup (r = 0.56, P < 0.02). No correlations could be detected between WH ratio, insulin and galanin concentrations and between galanin and BMI. In conclusion, plasma galanin concentrations appear to be comparable in obese, normal weight and anorectic subjects. This does not exclude a role of galanin in the regulation of eating behavior since variations of the peptide in discrete brain areas may not be detectable in general circulation and peripheral sources of the peptide may contribute to its plasma levels. Also, our data suggest that galanin does not play a major role in the regulation of insulin secretion in humans.

Vascular endothelial growth factor levels and rheumatic diseases of the elderly.

PubMed

Smets, Perrine; Devauchelle-Pensec, Valérie; Rouzaire, Paul-Olivier; Pereira, Bruno; Andre, Marc; Soubrier, Martin

2016-12-01

Increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported in remitting symmetrical seronegative synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). The aim of this study was to compare VEGF levels in patients over 60 years of age who have RS3PE, RA, PMR or GCA so as to determine whether elevated VEGF is specific for a rheumatic disease, the inflammation or edema that occurs with these pathological conditions. In this retrospective, multicentric study we assessed serum and plasma levels of VEGF in patients over 60 years of age with rheumatic diseases that were either de novo or of recent onset according to the initial clinical presentation, and we compared these patients with a control group. Serum and plasma VEGF levels were determined in 80 patients (5 with RS3PE, 13 with RA, 44 with PMR, and 18 with GCA) and 37 controls. Edema occurred in five patients with RS3PE, four with RA, and one with PMR, but not patients with GCA. Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in individuals with rheumatic diseases (849 (405.5-1235.5) pg/ml) relative to the controls (484 (302-555) pg/ml) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between patients with RS3PE, RA, PMR, or GCA in terms of the VEGF serum levels (p = 0.60) or plasma levels (p = 0.57). Similarly, the occurrence of edema did not correlate with VEGF levels. VEGF increases in rheumatic diseases compared to a control group. This was not associated with specific rheumatic diseases or with edematous rheumatic diseases.

Adiponectin and peptide YY in the fasting blue fox (Alopex lagopus).

PubMed

Mustonen, Anne-Mari; Pyykönen, Teija; Nieminen, Petteri

2005-02-01

Adiponectin (Acrp30) and peptide YY (PYY) are weight-regulatory hormones participating in the control of energy homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of long-term wintertime fasting on plasma Acrp30 and PYY levels in the carnivorous blue fox, a farm-bred variant of the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus). Plasma Acrp30 and PYY concentrations were determined with radioimmunoassays during a 22-day period of fasting, which led to a 20.3% reduction in body mass of the animals (n=32). Sixteen fed blue foxes served as the control group. Acrp30 and PYY were present in blue fox plasma at similar or lower levels as reported previously for other mammals. Fasting had no acute effects on Acrp30 or PYY concentrations of the blue foxes. However, the Acrp30 levels of the fasted blue foxes were 24%-48% higher than in the fed animals between days 8-22 of fasting. Fasted blue foxes also had 6.2-fold higher plasma PYY concentrations after 15 days of fasting. Acrp30 and PYY seem to play roles in the body weight-regulation of the blue fox during long-term fasting, but their specific functions and physiological significance remain to be determined.

Increased oxidative stress in infants exposed to passive smoking.

PubMed

Aycicek, Ali; Erel, Ozcan; Kocyigit, Abdurrahim

2005-12-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of passive cigarette smoking on the oxidative and anti-oxidative status of plasma in infants. Eighty-four infants aged 6-28 weeks were divided into two groups: the study group included infants who had been exposed to passive smoking via at least five cigarettes per day for at least the past 6 weeks at home, while the control group included infants who had never been exposed to passive smoking. The antioxidative status of plasma was assessed by the measurement of individual antioxidant components: vitamin C, albumin, bilirubin, uric acid, thiol contents and total antioxidant capacity (TAC 1 and TAC 2). Oxidative status was assessed by the determination of total peroxide levels and the oxidative stress index (OSI 1 and OSI 2). Plasma vitamin C, thiol concentration and TAC 1 and TAC 2 levels were significantly lower, whereas plasma total peroxide levels and OSI 1 and OSI 2 were significantly higher, in passive smoking infants than in the controls (P<0.01). We conclude that passive smoking has a negative impact on numerous parts of the antioxidant defence system in infants, and exposes them to potent oxidative stress.

Traumatic Hemothorax Blood Contains Elevated Levels of Microparticles that are Prothrombotic but Inhibit Platelet Aggregation.

PubMed

Mitchell, Thomas A; Herzig, Maryanne C; Fedyk, Chriselda G; Salhanick, Marc A; Henderson, Aaron T; Parida, Bijaya K; Prat, Nicolas J; Dent, Daniel L; Schwacha, Martin G; Cap, Andrew P

2017-06-01

Autotransfusion of shed blood from traumatic hemothorax is an attractive option for resuscitation of trauma patients in austere environments. However, previous analyses revealed that shed hemothorax (HX) blood is defibrinated, thrombocytopenic, and contains elevated levels of D-dimer. Mixing studies with normal pooled plasma demonstrated hypercoagulability, evoking concern for potentiation of acute traumatic coagulopathy. We hypothesized that induction of coagulopathic changes by shed HX blood may be due to increases in cellular microparticles (MP) and that these may also affect recipient platelet function. Shed HX blood was obtained from 17 adult trauma patients under an Institutional Review Board approved prospective observational protocol. Blood samples were collected every hour up to 4 h after thoracostomy tube placement. The corresponding plasma was isolated and frozen for analysis. The effects of shed HX frozen plasma (HFP) and isolated HX microparticles (HMP) on coagulation and platelet function were assessed through mixing studies with platelet-rich plasma at various dilutions followed by analysis with thromboelastometry (ROTEM), platelet aggregometry (Multiplate), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, HFP was assessed for von Willebrand factor antigen levels and multimer content, and plasma-free hemoglobin. ROTEM analysis demonstrated that diluted HFP and isolated HMP samples decreased clotting time, clotting formation time, and increased α angle, irrespective of sample concentrations, when compared with diluted control plasma. Isolated HMP inhibited platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid, and collagen. HFP contained elevated levels of fibrin-degradation products and tissue factor compared with control fresh frozen plasma samples. MP concentrations in HFP were significantly increased and enriched in events positive for phosphatidylserine, tissue factor, CD235, CD45, CD41a, and CD14. von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimer analysis revealed significant loss of high molecular weight multimers in HFP samples. Plasma-free hemoglobin levels were 8-fold higher in HFP compared with fresh frozen plasma. HFP induces plasma hypercoagulability that is likely related to increased tissue factor and phosphatidylserine expression originating from cell-derived MP. In contrast, platelet dysfunction is induced by HMP, potentially aggravated by depletion of high molecular weight multimers of vWF. Thus, autologous transfusion of shed traumatic hemothorax blood may induce a range of undesirable effects in patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy.

Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Some Metabolic Risk Factors in Patients with Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Vidović, Bojana; Milovanović, Srđan; Stefanović, Aleksandra; Kotur-Stevuljević, Jelena; Takić, Marija; Debeljak-Martačić, Jasmina; Pantović, Maja; Đorđević, Brižita

2017-01-01

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties and is suggested to be a biomarker of metabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on plasma adiponectin and some metabolic risk factors in patients with schizophrenia. The plasma adipokine levels (adiponectin and leptin), routine biochemical and anthropometric parameters, markers of oxidative stress, and the serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in eighteen schizophrenic patients at baseline, in the middle, and at the end of a 3-month long supplementation period with ALA (500 mg daily) were determined. A significant increase in the plasma adiponectin concentrations, as well as a decrease in fasting glucose and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST), was found. Baseline AST activity was independently correlated with the adiponectin concentrations. Our data show that ALA can improve plasma adiponectin levels and may play a potential role in the treatment of metabolic risk factor in patients with schizophrenia. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary investigations.

GABA and homovanillic acid in the plasma of Schizophrenic and bipolar I patients.

PubMed

Arrúe, Aurora; Dávila, Ricardo; Zumárraga, Mercedes; Basterreche, Nieves; González-Torres, Miguel A; Goienetxea, Biotza; Zamalloa, Maria I; Anguiano, Juan B; Guimón, José

2010-02-01

We have determined the plasma (p) concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA), and the pHVA/pGABA ratio in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. The research was undertaken in a geographic area with an ethnically homogeneous population. The HVA plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in the schizophrenic patients compared to the bipolar patients. The levels of pGABA was significantly lower in the two groups of patients compared to the control group, while the pHVA/pGABA ratio was significantly greater in the both groups of patients compared to the controls. As the levels of pHVA and pGABA are partially under genetic control it is better to compare their concentrations within an homogeneous population. The values of the ratio pHVA/pGABA are compatible with the idea of an abnormal dopamine-GABA interaction in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. The pHVA/pGABA ratio may be a good peripheral marker in psychiatric research.